dedication
When I was just out of law school in 1991, my dear friend Alan Beaven gave me a book on the law as a healing profession. Although the concept was somewhat foreign to me, I found the book’s message intriguing.
Alan soon left his job at a large international law firm based in New York to pursue his dream of becoming an environmental lawyer in California. Meanwhile, I was immersed in my fledgling career as a litigator at a preeminent firm, spending my days and nights working on a huge sports antitrust case that resembled hand-to-hand combat.
As I grew into a more seasoned lawyer, I watched Alan’s career blossom and unfold. A clean water advocate, he built a successful practice dedicated to the greater good. He was also completely devoted to his wife and three children.
In the same spirit of giving and devotion, at age 48, Alan decided to take a one-year sabbatical to do pro bono environmental work for a nonprofit organization in rural New York and its affiliate in India.
On the eve of his move overseas, he received a call that the proposed settlement in one of his California cases fell through. Not wanting to leave the matter unresolved, Alan made plans to return to San Francisco for a settlement conference.
Sadly, Alan’s plane crashed in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. He was honored posthumously by the United States Senate for his heroism in helping to thwart the terrorist mission aboard United Flight 93. He was also awarded for his outstanding service and commitment to the legal profession.
May Alan’s courage, dedication, humor and wisdom inspire us all to practice law and live life skillfully, joyfully and meaningfully for the benefit of all.
