Steve was also one of my mentors. Steve ran the summer program at the firm and was one of the first and most influential attorneys I met. From day one, he insisted that I should be a litigator, and since that time every opportunity he got he reminded me that I should have been a litigator. When I chose differently, he continued to mentor me to strive for the best in continuing the RWG name and culture. He also intentionally mispronounced my last name for about three years, trying to see how many other attorneys he could convince to say it that way. For me, Steve represents the spirit of the firm. He was always so excited for every bowling and holiday party. He came out to happy hour frequently, even when the group was mostly associates. I was always so impressed that he was a summer associate and worked at the firm as long as he did; a dedication to one workplace is so rare these days, and yet there was nowhere else he wanted to work. He also spoke his mind no matter what the consequences, putting the firms interests above his own. The firm will be very different without his humor, intellect and leadership. In my first year at the firm, Steve met with me weekly and dragged many others to read up on education law. I think he knew then that we wouldnt start working in the field right away, but he was so invested in encouraging me and channeling my energy into loving the law that he kept going with it until I called it quits. Through his instruction I learned so much about learning my craft, really caring for our clients, and the integrity this profession can have when approached appropriately. Steve and I frequently had conversations into the evening about other life issues. He was never afraid to offer his opinion on any topic, and I appreciated his earnest advice even when I didnt want to hear it. When I went through rough times, Steve never pressed for information but always made his availability known. In the last few months, as Ive been out of work, I saw such compassion from him, and it was paramount through a very difficult period. Cheryl, I remember distinctly a particular conversation I had with Steve. I asked him how he knew you were the one for him, and he said you were the most beautiful, smartest and most interesting girl he had ever met. Then I asked what kept the relationship so strong for all the years, and he said you were still the most beautiful, smartest and most interesting woman he had ever met. Will and Matt, Steve shared so many of your accomplishments with us at work. He bounced in my office or called me to share every time you two had gotten into excellent schools or received awards. But most importantly, he was proud that he had raised such honorable young men, and he was thrilled that you and he had such a strong bond. I will miss Steve so much. Its hard to accept that hes really gone, but obviously, he impacted so many people and will be with us for many years to come.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Jul 2014 01:43:23 +0000
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