Young Lawyers News

AnthonySutton

With Thanksgiving having come and gone, it is a good time to reflect on what makes us thankful to be South Dakota lawyers. Over the holiday weekend, I found myself thinking about mentorship and all who have made an impact on my career. One person stood out.

Professor Tom Horton.

For me, Professor Horton was a wonderful mentor and friend. Like many others, he taught trial techniques and antitrust courses and was the advisor for the trial team when I was a student at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law. At the end of my first year of school, Professor Horton also served as a professor for summer classes that I took in China as part of a study abroad program, along with other law students from USD, the University of Montana, and Gonzaga University. It was in China where I first got to know Professor Horton. Following that trip and taking his trial techniques course, I had the privilege of working as his research assistant where I saw firsthand his commitment to scholarship, improving the lives of everyone he interacted with, and mentorship. I also had the privilege of sharing many other memories with Professor Horton in his antitrust course and in the process of preparing for and competing in trial team tournaments. Anyone who participated in trial team with Professor Horton saw his dedication to teaching and the time he so generously shared to make his students better lawyers. Those same people may also think of Professor Horton’s laugh, which I still hear in my head when I remember how he reacted when he saw that I dressed up as him for Halloween during my third year of law school, and how he always had a bottle of his favorite iced tea with him whenever he taught.

Even following my graduation, Professor Horton made it a point to check in and see how I was doing. He would also offer advice whenever I had trial questions or wanted to bounce ideas off him. I miss him dearly and send my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues,

and all others who miss him. I will remember him fondly knowing that I am a better lawyer and person for having him as a professor and mentor.

My own experiences with Professor Horton are not unique. Throughout his time at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, Professor Horton impacted the careers of many South Dakota lawyers, including most South Dakota’s current young lawyers. One thing I have found very pleasing following Professor Horton’s passing—but not the least bit surprising— is to see how many others were also impacted by his mentorship and friendship. This is no more evident than in the many tributes that have been shared via email, social media, or on Professor Horton’s obituary page.

All who knew Professor Horton knew that he was a passionate, kind, and genuine man who loved his family, his chosen profession, and his ability to teach and mentor the next generation of lawyers. Professor Horton had many interests outside the law as well, including music, travel, and history. Anyone who had ever been to his office would also be able to tell Professor Horton’s love for history by his extensive book collection. As I attempt to address Professor Horton’s deep impact on South Dakota’s lawyers and the legal profession, I am struck by a quote from Abraham Lincoln that I believe Professor Horton would agree with: “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Given the outpouring of memories and stories of Professor Horton, it is clear that his tree stood tall in our legal community and will continue to stand tall for years to come.

In closing, I want to encourage every member of the bar to take Professor Horton’s passing and the Thanksgiving holiday as a reminder to take a moment today and thank the people in our lives who have impacted us and helped us to grow and develop as lawyers and people. And in true Professor Horton style: “Take good care.”

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Bridgeford President and General Counsel, Ashley Blake, Named Young Lawyer of the Year

Bridgeford Trust Company’s President and General Counsel, Ashley Blake, was recently presented with the 2022 South Dakota Young Lawyer of the Year Award on behalf of the South Dakota State Bar Association. The award was presented at the 2nd Circuit Young Lawyer Section Fall Mixer and Reception on November 10, 2022, in Sioux Falls.

The South Dakota Young Lawyer of the Year Award recognizes members of the State Bar of South Dakota under the age of 36 or having been admitted to practice for less than 10 years. Nominees must exemplify professional excellence, dedication to serving the legal profession and the Bar, service to their community, and a reputation that advances legal ethics and professional responsibility. (Article reposted with permission from Bridgeford Home Trust Company. Read full article here.)