The Birmingham News reports that Harry Markstein, a 90-year old Alabama lawyer who was a close friend of one of my uncle’s at the University of Alabama law school right after the earth cooled, has just argued a case before the Alabama Supreme Court, making him the oldest lawyer to have done so. “We don’t have any precedent,” said Robert Esdale, Sr., Supreme Court clerk.
Harry’s first appearance before that court was in 1939. He argued his recent case with the assistance of his son, my good friend and fraternity brother, Danny Markstein.
The younger Markstein said his father arrives at his Birmingham office each day about 10 a.m. and leaves about 3:30 p.m. His legal practice is limited these days. “Most of his clients are no longer around,” Markstein’s son said. Most days are spent handling his personal affairs, reading, and “telling me what I’m doing wrong.”
When he was about 65, Markstein began playing more golf and writing fewer briefs. His son confesses his father’s pasttimes now include “drinking whiskey and telling lies.”
Congratulations to both Marksteins.
