The Two Best Students in Section2 - University of Michigan Law School Class of 1977

          Born and raised in Michigan, Sharon Williams raced through law school in five semesters and has spent her career in private practice in Washington, D.C. with Hogan and Hartson and a smaller firm in Virginia.  A few years ago she joined the Department of Justice where she handles major civil matters for a broad range of government agencies. But that’s the boring back story. 

          Sharon was (and is) one of the two most charming charismatic and brilliant members of our law school section.  As serious as a heart attack about her studies she brought laughter and irreverence into classrooms where the tension and nerves was almost sucking the oxygen out of Hutchins Hall.  She did in a light hearted way that wasn’t insulting or condescending, - it was insightful and fun.   She hasn’t changed a bit except now her wit is even sharper and her repertoire of lifetime stores matches or exceeds mine.

          Throughout this career she’s been the sole or primary parent for three wonderful children who are launched in three different directions.  A tall order and one not without stress or exhaustion.  She’s an Olympian in my book because many in my generation talk the talk about parenting but very few walk the walk with such a successful story to be told.  She remains inspirational, irreverent, and someone who can call me back to ground and make me back away from specious assertions or baseless Republicanisms.

            Peter Darrow was raised in Ann Arbor, went to Columbia in college where he had more adventures (including driving a New York taxi) than most people have in a lifetime.  After two years studying in England he returned to Ann Arbor as a member of my section and class.  I got to know him in the first week in school - and have always thought he would have been one of the great trial lawyers of our generation.  He has tremendous presence and can take on all comers on any issue at any time.

            He has many exceptional traits but one is that he holds no opinion lightly.  He’ll know five reasons he is right and will have studied the issue.  He’ll test our assertions on anything from restaurants to theaters but he’s not dogmatic or overbearing - he’s just opinionated.  During his career in private practice with Patterson Belknap, Shearman & Sterling and Mayer Brown he’s developed a substantial client base in Latin American finance - one of the nation’;s gurus.

            He’s a Wolverine football nut of course, but he is also just about the most loyal friend I’ve encountered in 56 years on the planet.  He’d give you the shirt off his back and he’d know where it was manufactured and be clear on the thread count and the experience of the tailor who stitched the garment.  Everyone should have a friend like Peter Darrow.  He’s made a huge difference in my life.

            The Sage From Stanford - Penny Pritzker is a unique human being.  I didn’t meet her in her capacity as one of the leading real estate executive and philanthropists in the nation.  Nor did I first meet her in her capacity the national financial director for our President.  Nope.  I met her on the plains of Waveland, aka where my youth football team plays.  Her son who goes by his Dad’s Bryan’s last name was a key player on my team for four years - a wonderful athlete and a joy to coach.  He would do anything - take on the biggest player, fill in at center if we needed him, punt, etc.  He was tough on the corner, disciplined, and never ever quit for a second. In one game our two QB’s were not available so it’s Donald at QB.  I had my concerns (like Lovie Smith).  But Don took the lead against a much stronger team and we won on the last play of the game.  A couple of his passes were unusual but he delivered the ball to the target.  Class dismissed.

            Penny went to Harvard and Stanford and is as sophisticated as any business person in the nation.  But to me she has three exceptional traits that you don’t often see in people with those responsibilities.  First, she’s a parent. And she takes that seriously. Second, she listens - some leaders have a walkie talkie that is stuck on transmit. Not Penny.  Third, she is remarkably funny.  Perhaps the leading management consultants don’t rank that trait in their top 10 but if you can be a parent, an executive, listen, and have a great sense of humor then you’re on my short list of great people. 

            If Obama’s looking for a next President in 2016 - I’d vote for her (and Penny knows that this would make the 3d Democrat I’ve voted for in my lifetime).

            A Wonderful Wolverine - The Counselor’s Counselor - Carol Kanarek is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School where we overlapped for two years back in the day.  After a terrific start in private practice she became one of the nation’s leading career counselors for lawyers.  She is my go-to resource on many issues - and particularly indispensable during these challenging times. 

            She can see subtleties in lawyers that others would miss, she can give practical or inspiration advice as the situation warrants, and can juggle literally dozens of clients each of whom is at a cross roads in their career.  I don’t know anyone who knows more about New York law firms, how they operate, and the incredibly delicate dance between career objectives and law firm priorities.

            Like many of the best of the best she selfless with her time - advising hundreds of lawyers and law students annually - and has a way to make each one feel as if they are her #1 client (yes Carol I’ve been told that more times than my Republican fingers can count). 

            When times are great or terrible she keeps her finger on the pulse of the market and has a remarkably accurate ability to predict where the market is heading and when it will get there. For a law student considering Wall Street practice she’s an indispensable resource. 

            The only flaw - but it’s not fatal - she’s not obsessed with Michigan football as I am. I think some intensive counseling may be in order.  I think we will have to fly her out for our annual indoor tailgate at our home and maybe get her a custom Wolverine jersey.