Clearing the Clutter From the Desk of the Editor

by David Berger

Enjoying the panoramic view from the luxurious De Novo penthouse office suites, the staff and I send you, dear readers of the Young Lawyers Division, greetings. . . OK, so it's just me. And I am writing from somewhat less than luxurious accommodations. In fact, I have been stay-at-home-sick and if anything, my immediate surroundings have been in need of quarantine status and a healthy dose of disinfectant.

For a short time there, I was living it up as I faded in and out of sleep, daytime television blaring away and infusing itself into my delirium. Furthermore, I must confess. It may surprise you, but as far as my view is concerned, I try to keep my blinds closed. This makes it easier to imagine that the noise coming from the traffic zipping by in a steady flow outside is the exhilarating sound of a rushing river running wildly through lush forestland or the soothing sound of untamed waves crashing upon the shore at the misty seaside. I must still be delirious from fever. . .

In any case, there have been some changes here at De Novo, though nothing so dramatic as to affect the quality of content you have come to expect from this venerable publication. I must report the rather sudden departure of editor Geoff Hymans who resigned from the position in April. You may have seen his open letter to the Bar Association in the May issue of the Washington State Bar News (pp. 17-19) in which he explained his reasons for his resignation. It is truly a shame that he felt compelled to step down. Under his direction, De Novo continued to inform and entertain those of us who read the publication regularly. We thank him for his hard work and wish him well on his other endeavors.

As a result of Geoff's departure, I have taken over as editor. In this, my first column, I would enthusiastically encourage anyone and everyone in the Young Lawyers Division to contribute your thoughts and experiences as a young lawyer by submitting articles to De Novo. As I am sure most of us realize, it is important to maintain a connection to our peers and learn from the experiences of others. There is so much going on in the legal profession, and it can be difficult to keep abreast of it all. So, do your duty (cue anthem-like music here) and join with your fellow young lawyers (salute here if so inclined), tell us what you are doing (march triumphantly)-say it with me, brothers and sisters, WE - WANT - TO - KNOW - WHAT - IS - GOING -ON!!

You may submit articles, cards and letters to me, preferably by email as a Word attachment, at DeNovoEditor@aol.com or you may send a hard copy to me at 516 Third Avenue, M.S. KCC-SC-0203, Seattle, WA 98104. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.

--David

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