The keynote speaker at today's Massachusetts Bar Association conference was Mark A. Reilly, chief legal counsel for the Office of the Governor. He began by asking how many in the audience were attorneys for government agencies or organizations. About half the audience members raised their hands. How many work for firms that represent clients who do business with government agencies? About the same number raised their hands.
"How many of you wandered in and aren't really sure why you're here?"
That would be me. I raised my hand.
I joined the Mass. Bar Association with a student membership and have attended a half dozen of their continuing legal education programs. Most of them are in downtown Boston, a half-block from the Common.
On the way from the Pike to the association office, I stop next to a guy looking for spare change at the light at the corner of Kneeland.. He's a Korean War vet, sober for many years. We've talked before. We chat for a few seconds today. The only time that he wasn't there was during the winter when it was dark early and very cold.
Today's was the fifth public law conference. I heard presentations about records retention, the open meeting law, state contracts and procurement, and changes in DEP permitting procedures, along with the keynote. The content of the presentations was very good. I have notebook of material and many pages of notes.
I was most impressed, though, with the people. Here are attorneys who are trying to make government work better by simplifying processes, clarifying regulations, and responding quickly and honestly to questions from the media, the public, and governmental employees. Without exception, the speakers were thoughtful and humble, recognizing that their is the people's work.
There are broad and often conflicting policy goals in play, not to mention the blood sport of Massachusetts politics. These attorneys, then, have to find ways to make sure that the water is clean and that we find creative ways to harness energy. They are trying to make sure that government is accountable and transparent and efficient. They are doing so humbly and hopefully. These are the folks we want to have on our side.
A copy of the conference program is
here (PDF).
On my way out of town, I stop at the light next to the outbound ramp to the Pike. The guy working the streetside looks to be in much rougher shape than the Korean War vet. He holds a sign asking for fifty cents. I have a few bucks left over from the parking fare.
"Thanks, chief," he says, surprised and a bit shaky.
