Lastly, after being called into one of my mentor’s offices to discuss some discovery issues in a case, Charles F. Seemann, II (“Charlie”) informed me that I should sign up to attend the next Forum meeting set for New Orleans. Charlie told me that Mrs. Marian and Mr. Kaskell had pushed him to get involved in the Forum and he chose me as the next experiment. Try to follow this trio. Plus, and most importantly, Charlie needed me to help him plan a second line parade for the attendees at the New Orleans meeting. We continued Charlie’s tradition with another second line parade this April when the Forum returned to my beloved city for its Annual Meeting.
This conversation with Charlie occurred in 1999 and completely changed my career and my life for the better. More about my experience at my first Forum program in my next column but suffice it to say that I enjoyed it so much I found ways to ensure continued attendance. Charlie involved and promoted me within the Forum introducing me to most of the program attendees and volunteering me for positions of leadership with the newly created Young Lawyers group. Charlie’s efforts at training an engineer to become a construction lawyer were not wasted on me. Joyous discussions with Charlie about the Young Lawyers’ plans at the next Forum meeting overcame the tragic reveal of more red ink on my latest draft of an answer or motion. Those who truly know Charlie eagerly anticipate being regaled with a “two drink minimum” story and listening to him turn a phrase or two. Over time, Charlie’s stories involved some of my antics. In 2003, Charlie received the Cornerstone Award. Seated in the room, I eagerly awaited hearing the numerous stories about Charlie sure to be told by his friend in the Forum, Buck Hinkle, in his introductions. The stories never ended.
Charlie’s “small” impact on the Forum continues today. He was one of the proponents for the Sticks and Bricks regional program to train young lawyers on construction methodologies. He was also a proponent (when it was controversial) of our associate member exhibitors and sponsors. And most importantly, Charlie understood that the Forum would grow its membership with young attorneys interested in construction law coupled with programs held in great locations full of diverse and unique experiences.
My firm enjoyed and was honored to host another Annual Meeting in New Orleans during the free French Quarter Festival. This is a world class event celebrating our culture in music, food and drink held within 78 square blocks within our most historically significant neighborhood. Our Chair and his team executed a master plan of fun and unique activities allowing our attendees to sample an Art Deco historic building during our reception, a hospitality VIP tent at French Quarter Festival and a crawfish boil on the pool deck.
During our Thursday business lunch meeting, the Forum announced the latest deserving recipient of the Cornerstone Award, Andy Ness. It was great to hear how that awardee’s life was changed by his mentors who gave freely of their time to shape his life. These stories comprise the Forum’s oral tradition and legacy and should inspire all of us to strive toward the honorable goal of building the best construction lawyers.
As Charlie would say, “Come join us and pass a good time.”