David Jacobs (1991-1992)
Section Chief Counsel, Natural Resources Section, Office of the Arizona Attorney General
My memories – Still maybe the best job ever, and a boss I will always admire greatly. I learned lessons that I have passed down to many of the interns and attorneys who have worked for me. I was reminded that “We must thoroughly address every party and every argument” after I failed to address an argument in a pro se brief based on the Declaration of Independence.
I also learned “If you can’t say it in writing, you’re not sure what you think the answer is.” Also, “I appreciate your explaining what you think, and I really appreciate your admitting what you don’t know or aren’t sure about.” We had some very high-profile cases that spring, which shuffled the usual alignments – Her dissenting opinion in the State v. Mitchell “hate speech” sentencing enhancement case (arguing to allow the enhancement, which was adopted 9-0 by the US Supreme Court); David Duke must be allowed on the Republican presidential primary ballot; can a building on the isthmus be taller than the Capitol?
Justice Abrahamson traveled a lot around the State and around the world that year. She brought back stacking dolls from Russia with the likenesses of the Soviet leaders from Lenin to Gorbachev. My one-year-old son loved to play with them and impressed friends and family with his ability to identify them.