worked a regular nine-to-five then came home. But when you retired, however, I saw how diverse the different issues you were able to address through the law—whether it’s been civil or criminal law, tort or family law, public interest—your lawsuits have run the gamut. So, I went to law school to, one, possibly work myself out of having a boss. But also—like you —to really be able to address the concerns that I think folks in the community have on a regular basis. While some of those concerns are very personal, like family law matters, there are also systemic issues and problems that people are concerned about that a law degree really gives you the ability to reform. Having a legal education really allows a person to not just take on a case but also to address an issue on the fullness of how one should address that issue. So whether it’s advocacy, who you should talk to, what you should do, how do these things change. I’ve really enjoyed being able to figure out ways to address things that I’m concerned about as a person in the community. Parents often think they know what their children’s hopes and dreams are, but we seldom have a forum to hear the kind of direct questions and the holistic life-view responses that occurred between this father and son “in the law.” Judge Humphrey: What now are your expectations and hopes and dreams? Mr. Humphrey: Well, I think my expectations, hopes, and dreams are probably the same as most people: to put food on the table, to have a place to rest my head, to be able to enjoy the fun things of life. And one of my favorite experiences, during and after college, has been living abroad. I studied abroad in Beijing, People’s Republic of China during college and returned after undergrad for two years. I think that was, really, the first place I went abroad—a really far distance 10
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to be your first place to go abroad. But I think it did set a fire in me regarding being able to see other cultures that so many Arkansans don’t get that opportunity to or refuse to think that that opportunity is something worthwhile. Arkansas has one of the highest percentages of people who actually never leave the state. Long story short, I’d like to be able to travel as much as possible. But also, my expectations are to really address some systemic issues in Arkansas through the law. I hope that the law degree will allow me to work with different partners, build relationships with like-minded individuals, and support laws like warranty for habitability, for instance, so that landlords feel compelled to maintain a habitable presence for their tenants. I hope to dismantle homelessness, fully incorporate our undocumented residents and limit the criminalization of community members for unnecessary offenses. I’m really hopeful that I will be able to do that with the law. But again, on a personal level, to be able to support myself as an individual. Judge Humphrey: Well, good. Marion Jr. then asked for his father’s wisdom about what he sees as important for a new lawyer. Marion Sr. spoke with the kind of directness that we all need to hear, but especially a son, and the son then asked his father if he thought he had made a difference as a lawyer—the kind of question that all lawyers should be asking. Marion Jr. ends this portion of the conversation by answering the question about the difference his father has made in his eyes. Mr. Humphrey: So, Dad, what would you say to me and others who are about to enter the practice of law; what’s important for us to do and invest our lives in as lawyers?
Judge Humphrey: I think it’s important for you to make a contribution to the larger society. Obviously, it’s important that you be able to have a decent income. And, I am thankful for the practice of law for that purpose and for my service as a judge and having a judicial retirement for your mother and me. But, beyond that, I like the idea of being able to make a contribution to some of the issues that we face in our community. In our city, state and nation, a lawyer can bring attention to issues that impact people daily and that are of great concern. For instance, I believe lawyers can craft legal actions and participate in the drafting of legislation on matters that affect basic rights of citizens. Today, lawyers, as always, can behave as social engineers. I know that there is a lot of concern these days about issues such as noknock warrants and racial profiling. Lawyers can craft strategies about how to address such concern through legal proceedings and through drafting legislation. Some of us have raised issues about drug offenses and sentences. We have talked to legislators about sentencing issues concerning drug offenses. Over the years, I believe there has been some lessening of penalties on some drug offenses. Lawyers have addressed issues pertaining to sealing court records, so that offenders can have a new start. I think we can use our legal backgrounds to address all kinds of legal issues—not just social and civil rights. As an African American, I know that you are interested in issues pertaining to equal opportunities and equity. Mr. Humphrey: Do you feel that you’ve made a difference as a lawyer? Judge Humphrey: Yes. There are cases that I’ve had that have been difficult ones. I hesitate in mentioning a couple because I’m not sure the clients I represented want additional public attention drawn to them and about their involvement in
