Sunday, January 18 through Saturday, January 24, 2015
On Sunday I ran in the rain and then worked for a client writing a lengthy document. The rest of Seattle cheered for the Seahawks as they went on to defeat the Green Bay Packers in a championship game that will advance the Seahawks to the Superbowl for the second year in a row.
On Monday I visited with Gil Levy, a defense attorney who also represented me decades ago. Carole flew into Seattle and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner together at McCormick and Schmick’s. Unfortunately, I’m still on this gluten-free diet that Carole recommended, which meant I wasn’t able to enjoy the types of food I would like. But I did have a great steak and I enjoyed the time alone with my lovely wife. She is the highlight of my life.
Tuesday was a busy day. Carole and I began the day by driving to Starbucks at 4:30 a.m. I had to set up my computer for an early morning call with clients in Virginia. We’re working together to see if I can coordinate a trip to the East Coast. While at Starbucks, Kristian, a cousin of mine surprised us. He lives in the area and he stopped by to purchase a cup of coffee. I hadn’t seen Kristian in longer than 40 years, so I was surprised that he recognized me. We shared a nice conversation and I invited him to attend a presentation that I was scheduled to make on Thursday.
We returned to my sister’s house mid-morning. I showered and prepared for a busy day. I met with an attorney at the prestigious Lane Powell law firm. Then I made a presentation for attorneys at Seattle’s federal defender program. I dined with Mike Filopovic at Seattle’s Fresh Start restaurant, which was awesome. Then, I visited with another attorney with whom I had an earlier connection; he represented one of the co-defendants who stood trial with me.
I continued working on behalf of my client Tuesday evening and all day on Wednesday. I’m writing an extensive sentence-mitigation document that will help the court see my client for much more than the government’s allegations.
On Thursday I made two presentations on the subject of mass incarceration. First I spoke to a group of law students at Seattle University Law School. Then I spoke to a group of law students at the University of Washington Law School. At the UW presentation, my cousin Kristain and his girlfriend attended, as did my friend Rich Folk.
On Friday I made a presentation to the Latin Bar Association of Washington State. The event was really extraordinary, in a ballroom of Seattle’s historic Arctic Hotel. Approximately 300 lawyers were in attendance at the formal affair. The audience honored me with a standing ovation after I spoke about the injustices of mass incarceration. Immediately following the presentation, Rich drove me to SeaTac airport where I boarded a redeye flight to Atlanta.
I arrived in Atlanta early on Saturday morning, freshened myself up quickly and then attended the seminar legal convention for Gideon’s Promise. Approximately 300 attorneys were in attendance. I delivered the keynote speech during the lunch meal. The audience rewarded me with my second standing ovation in two days. I spent the remainder of the day networking with attorneys.
Miles for week: 26.51
Miles for month: 109.81
Miles for year: 109.81
Weight: 167.5
Link to 2015 running log: Running Log