Most days, when I think of my Dad and my childhood.. I think of days like these. But this (slightly belated) Father's Day I'd like to share a different side of my Dad.
At my brother’s Law School Graduation from Santa Clara University, Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye, the 28th chief justice of the State of California, gave the commencement address. During this address she encouraged the new attorneys to yield to the highest calling of this profession, and the highest calling of this profession she said, is to help others.
“We have over 4 and a half million people who’ve actually come to court without an attorney. Not to mention, the millions of people who don't come to court for whatever reason… that they don’t understand us, that they fear us, that they fear they have no voice, that they don’t know how to seek out a voice for them. We know that 90% of representation in Family Law, in Landlord Tenant Law, in Conservatorships … 90% is self represented on the most CRITICAL aspects of human life. That is home, and family. These people are navigating the law without a Lawyer. You just had THREE YEARS of Law School, and before you can even begin to navigate we require you to take a three day test. Can you imagine how truly fearsome the prospect may be when you are fighting for your home or your family and you’re armed without any assistance or training? So I urge you… The highest calling truly is in my book pro-bono work, low-bono work, it’s also Legal services.”
She stated that in California we have the highest poverty rate in the United States and that in 2013 we counted out of 165,000 lawyers only 1,000 dedicated to legal-aid. Only 1,000. That number shook me. I leaned forward in those chairs at the ceremony, and looked across the row to my Father seeing him in a whole new light. My Father is one of those 1,000.
He is the supervising attorney for Community Legal Services at BOTH the Compton, and Norwalk offices...In over 30 years of providing legal-aid he has not once, charged a client for his services.
I don’t think anyone who has witnessed my own personal growth into adulthood can deny the presence and influence of my father. I’m certainly his daughter, and I have always been so grateful for his ability to go above and beyond for any birthday, competition, school project, or family event. But I must admit, 28 years later this was my first real realization of just how impactful my dad continues to be in this world beyond being an exemplary father to my brother and me.
We were celebrating Tony’s accomplishments that day, but I will remember it also because it was a day I was truly proud to be my father’s daughter. So Dad, This Father’s Day I wanted to take a moment to celebrate not only your awesome parenting, but your awesome human-ing. :) Thank you for being a an example of a great person in all areas of life and especially the law.
Justice Cantil-Sakauye told the graduates as they navigate the next 50 years, to “bring a compass, and that the north on that compass be the rule of law. And the other points on that compass be your values.” She reminded them there are two kinds of values, resume values & eulogy values. The latter being the kind of values that will live on long after you’ve done your work. Because when you yield to the highest calling, you serve others and you serve yourself. Values start at home… and Daddy you’ve taught me well.
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