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Dear Sir,

Young Lawyers are by nature idealists and hero worshippers. We all begin by wanting to change the world one injustice at a time. Some of us take on this duty so thoroughly that we somehow find ourselves beholden to an oath never actually sworn to root out imbalance and unfairness in all its systemic forms.

The energy required to change the world is not easily found, however, and that is why we need heroes. We need to see that there are people who have gone before us who have taken on the mantle with pride and effectiveness, we need to be reminded that there is a code and a creed which some people adhere to which makes them heroic in ways we often fail to notice.

Julian Hall was my hero. I remember spending countless nights lying awake in my prison cell visualizing the day I might stand next to this brilliant legal scholar as an equal. That vision alone drove me. But more so, and I don't think many people understand this; Julian truly was one of the best legal minds this decade has ever produced! And he was black. And he was Bermudian. And he had humble roots... and for those reasons I identified with him, I saw him as an example of what was possible in a world that constantly tries to tell you it was impossible...

I finally got to meet him when I was released from prison in 2002. We became friends from the first meeting. He had heard people tell him that I reminded them of him and he agreed. But he told me: "Look at my life and take all of the brilliant moments and mirror them, makes lots of money, and enjoy your work... but don't make any of the mistakes I made... and that should be easy because I've shown you what they are..."

Later on, when he found himself charged with several counts of stealing before the Supreme Court of Bermuda he decided to act as his own attorney and defend himself. But word has it he wanted an able assistant to sit with him during the trial to assist with research and strategy. The most flattering moment of my life was the moment he said to me "they tell me when it comes to research you are the one I should be asking... will you assist". Of course I agreed and for the next few weeks I spent every day both in and out of court at the right hand of the most brilliant advocate I have ever seen. This man was born to be in a courtroom. Everything about his presentation was a lesson in advocacy for me... the speed at which he spoke, the cadence in his voice, the addition of emphasis when needed, the insertion of penetrating legal analysis into a flowing stream of factual information without a ripple or hiccup - this man was truly a master of the law! And yes! I hate to say it... but I have shamelessly stolen some of his best moves for myself!

Like I said... we all need heroes... but I consider myself to be blessed because I actually got to meet, spend time with, work with, talk with and laugh with my hero... how many people can say that?

One day somebody will write Julian's story. They have to. But one thing is for sure... it will be one of the saddest stories ever written about one of the most brilliant men that ever lived...

Thanks for the hope in the beginning and the lessons at the end Jules... Rest in Peace! Forever Grateful,

Charles Richardson[[In-content Ad]]

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