The

Undeniable

Ruth

®

…and the Ruth shall set you free!

  • SALK Day 29 – Jane Ross

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    Ruth Carter

    Jane Ross is one of my favorite lawyers in Phoenix.  I admire her commitment to being herself and not conforming to the traditional lawyer mold.  After law school, she lasted exactly one week at a large law firm.  She quit on a Friday and by the following Monday, she had started her own firm.  She’s been in business for nearly eight years, and she’s never had a lack of work.

    Jane gave up a lot when she left big law firm life.  She gave up the security of a steady job with benefits, bonuses, and people whose jobs it is to make coffee and photocopies, answer phones, and do research, for the freedom to select her own clientele and decide her own schedule.  She can work in her pajamas at home if she wants with her dog laying at her feet.  She never has to feel guilty or worry about her reputation if she takes the afternoon off to be with her daughter.  On the flip side, she lives in an eat-what-you-kill world where she is solely responsible for her paycheck.  In many ways it appears that she has the perfect professional life, once you get past the fear of being completely responsible for her own success.  I couldn’t imagine striking it out on my own right out of law school, but I’ve heard that it’s made a lot of people happy and that help is only a phone call away if they need it.

    Rainbow flag flapping in the wind with blue sk...
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    Jane is a special breed of lawyers – the gay lawyer.  This is different from a lawyer who happens to be gay.  The lawyer who happens to be gay is someone who is a lawyer first and their sexual orientation is one of many aspects of their personality.  These are also lawyers who might be able to pass as straight.  Conversely, a gay lawyer is someone is undeniably gay and whose work is dedicated to the LGBT community.  They often are often found in boutique law firms or are solo practitioners and advertise in the gay press.  Their passion for LGBT rights and legal issues are intertwined with their identities.  These environments give gay lawyers the freedom to be themselves and focus on LGBT legal issues.  Gay lawyers and lawyers who are gay are both known for being fabulous and active in the LGBT community.   I’ve met some wonderful LGBT lawyers through the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) chapter of the local bar association.

    Sponsor A Law Kid is my endeavor to pay for my last semester of law school. Today’s sponsor is Jane Ross.  For more information about Sponsor A Law Kid or to see what days are still available for sponsorship, visit my Sponsor A Law Kid page.

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  • SALK Day 28 – Happy Birthday Charis!!

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    Ruth Carter

    Happy Birthday Charis!!

    Your Mom sponsored my website for today to wish you a very happy 18th birthday.  She’s incredibly proud of you for getting into Arizona State University, your desire to study genetics, and your devotion to theatre and loved ones.

    I feel lucky to have had a small glimpse into your life.  You seem like a phenomenal person who has achieved much.  Another person who was diagnosed with lupus at age 12 would have let it slow her down.  According to your Mom, you’ve never let it be an insurmountable obstacle to your dreams.  Keep it up and best of luck for the future.

    Rumor has it you’re celebrating adulthood by getting a tattoo.  Good choice!  I hope you get something that you love as much on your 18th birthday as on your 80th.  I hope whatever you have done does not get distorted due to pregnancy, gravity, or any other life event.

    P.S. – Your Mom said that if you’d chosen to celebrate adulthood by going skydiving, that she would have gone with you.  That sounds to me like if you wanted to do it, that she’d be willing to pay for the both of you.  😉

    Sponsor A Law Kid is my endeavor to pay for my last semester of law school. Today’s sponsor is K Royal.  For more information about Sponsor A Law Kid or to see what days are still available for sponsorship, visit my Sponsor A Law Kid page.

  • SALK Day 25: Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona Mardi Gras Gala

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    Ruth Carter

    Today’s sponsor is my friend, Jana Knapp.  She asked me to promote the Mardi Gras Gala for the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona, coming up on March 5, 2011.  Jana became passionate about epilepsy awareness when her nephew was diagnosed with it when he was only nine months old.

    There’s no cure for epilepsy.  Since it is a neurological problem, its effect on each person is unique.  Some people can manage it with drugs; others will grow out of it; and for others, it will be something they deal with every day of their lives.

    There isn’t enough money to properly train EMTs, police officers, school nurses, and even doctors to properly treat a person after a silent seizure.  Children are often misdiagnosed with ADD and seizures are mistaken for strokes in the elderly.  Veterans do not have the necessary care for their traumatic brain injuries.

    Until there is a cure, the best thing we can do is to be knowledgeable and compassionate towards people living with this illness.  The Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona has the programs to help accomplish this goal, but they need funding.

    The Mardi Gras Gala on March 5th is the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona’s annual black-tie fundraiser.  It will be a delightful evening, held at The Venue Scottsdale.  The evening will feature national recording sensation Katrina Shoen Carlson, magicians, stilt walkers, gambling, and Cajun cuisine.

    This year the Foundation will be crowning Colonel Joey Strickland, Director of the Arizona Department of Veteran Services as their King of Mardi Gras.  Colonel Strickland is being honored for his work to develop and implement the Foundation’s Operation Outreach program for veterans with traumatic brain injury.  These soldiers are at an increased risk of developing epilepsy.

    The Foundation needs more silent auction items to make the night more magical, including gift certificates, gift baskets, or cash to purchase auction items.

    If you want to attend the event, tickets are as followed:

    • Individual: $200
    • Private Table: $1000
    • Corporate Table: $2500

    Even if you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona so that they can continue to provide the necessary education on epilepsy and to promote compassion for those living with this condition.

    Sponsor A Law Kid is my endeavor to pay for my last semester of law school. Today’s sponsor is Jana Knapp on behalf of the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona.   For more information about Sponsor A Law Kid or to see what days are still available for sponsorship, visit my Sponsor A Law Kid page.

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