Remembrances of Jimmy Parks by Gabe Quintanilla
By Gabe Quintanilla
There are thousands of Jimmy Parks (phto) ostories out there among judges, lawyers, clients--you name it. We all have our own tales of Jimmy Parks' warmth and generosity. This is one of mine.
Several years ago, I had a client from hell. After a short time, it was apparent that I needed to end our attorney-client relationship. What complicated the matter was the fact that this was a very demanding client-...-the proverbial pain in the butt.
Rather than just filing a motion to withdraw, I felt it would be better if there was someone who would step into the case--someone who could handle a difficult client--someone with the experience and personality who knew what to do in tough cases.
The only person that I could think of was Jimmy. I hesitated to call him at the outset-I hated to burden him with this client. But after a while, it became apparent--it would be better for both the client and myself for our attorney-client relationship to end.
I called up Jimmy one afternoon--and I guess I stammered for a bit--I was hesitant to impose on him--and he could sense that.
Jimmy cracked a little joke to make me feel better and asked me what was his name. I told him. He said--okay--tell him to contact me today--I want to sit down with him.
I was so relieved and told Jimmy that I would pay him all of the fees that I had already collected and would also pay his balance--whatever it took.
Jimmy listened and just said--look--let me see what I can do. The guy may not even like me. Don't worry about the fees stuff Gabe.
Jimmy took the guy's case and resolved it. I called him many times to see what the guy's balance was. Finally, I just sent him a check.
I bumped into Jimmy at the courthouse a few days after I had sent the check and told him that I had sent it to him. Jimmy smiled and nodded.
Jimmy never cashed the check--he sent it back to me with a note--"you're my friend--paid in full."
When people ask me about Jimmy Parks--about what kind of man he was--I usually have to ask them--how much time do you have?
I can guarantee you--there are thousands of people all over the nation with Jimmy Parks stories.
When Jimmy began broadcasting with Chris Duel, I used to listen to him and laugh like crazy--he had such a down to earth manner--with a unique brand of humor. Jimmy could teach a course to young lawyers--to become a better lawyer--become a better human being, first.
Several years ago, I had a client from hell. After a short time, it was apparent that I needed to end our attorney-client relationship. What complicated the matter was the fact that this was a very demanding client-...-the proverbial pain in the butt.
Rather than just filing a motion to withdraw, I felt it would be better if there was someone who would step into the case--someone who could handle a difficult client--someone with the experience and personality who knew what to do in tough cases.
The only person that I could think of was Jimmy. I hesitated to call him at the outset-I hated to burden him with this client. But after a while, it became apparent--it would be better for both the client and myself for our attorney-client relationship to end.
I called up Jimmy one afternoon--and I guess I stammered for a bit--I was hesitant to impose on him--and he could sense that.
Jimmy cracked a little joke to make me feel better and asked me what was his name. I told him. He said--okay--tell him to contact me today--I want to sit down with him.
I was so relieved and told Jimmy that I would pay him all of the fees that I had already collected and would also pay his balance--whatever it took.
Jimmy listened and just said--look--let me see what I can do. The guy may not even like me. Don't worry about the fees stuff Gabe.
Jimmy took the guy's case and resolved it. I called him many times to see what the guy's balance was. Finally, I just sent him a check.
I bumped into Jimmy at the courthouse a few days after I had sent the check and told him that I had sent it to him. Jimmy smiled and nodded.
Jimmy never cashed the check--he sent it back to me with a note--"you're my friend--paid in full."
When people ask me about Jimmy Parks--about what kind of man he was--I usually have to ask them--how much time do you have?
I can guarantee you--there are thousands of people all over the nation with Jimmy Parks stories.
When Jimmy began broadcasting with Chris Duel, I used to listen to him and laugh like crazy--he had such a down to earth manner--with a unique brand of humor. Jimmy could teach a course to young lawyers--to become a better lawyer--become a better human being, first.
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