June 1999 

 A Remarkable Experience

by Mark Gehan

This is my last President's Page. At our convention in July, I shall expire with as much dignity as I can muster. Bob Dylan and Paul Simon have agreed to commemorate the occasion.

It has been a remarkable experience serving as the president of this association. It was a great honor to represent the organization that represents the lawyers of Minnesota. Our members spend an astonishing amount of time on projects that benefit our profession and our community. I am grateful to them for their commitment.

I have not been burdened with the daily operation and management of the MSBA because Tim Groshens and the staff tend to all the details. I have benefited greatly from their assistance, they have made my life immeasurably easier, and I thank them.

Kent Gernander was the volunteer field marshal for all of the organizations that were forced from the Law Center on the Nicollet Mall. He did a superb job under difficult circumstances. The Association is lucky that he will be president a year from now.

The book describing the first 150 years of the legal profession in Minnesota, For the Record, was conceived by President-elect Wood Foster who organized the authors, hired the editor, proofed the articles, and raised an ocean of money. Because of Wood's vision, each member will receive a copy of this significant and charming history.

Perhaps the best thing about being MSBA President has been the contact with the lawyers and judges of this state. I am more convinced than ever that we are the hardest working, smartest, best-informed, funniest, most trustworthy and decent collection of people in the United States of America.

MARK W. GEHAN of St. Paul is president of the MSBA. A partner in the firm of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, he received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and recently served as special master in the historic Minnesota tobacco litigation.