My friend, and sometimes mentor, Bernard R. Lafer, died recently after practicing law in New Jersey and California for many years. Bernard was a general practitioner who was not afraid to practice law against the big firms as a sole practitioner.
Bernie was a uniquely suited person for defending and prosecuting claims when few other lawyers would risk taking their case. He believed that everyone deserved their day in court and sometimes secured victories on their behalf even if he personally did not much benefit.
Bernard was a good friend and kind-hearted and generous. He gave others what ever time they needed even if it put himself behind.
I learned how to be a gentleman lawyer in times where the law can be anything but. He was unafraid, however, of telling a judge the way things ought to be. I told me he graduated first in his class and I believe it- he was tough in reviewing written materials and on more than one occasion let me know how horrible my brief was in the English language.
Bernie was an enthusiastic, if sometimes inconsistent, tournament bridge player. He made the rank of Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League. Indeed he did master the good life and lived loving the work and hobby he had chosen.
Somewhere in heaven, a barristers bridge table has been prepared for him. May he play on forever!
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