In Their Own Words: Jim Turk
As Blethen Berens marks its 130th anniversary, we're honoring our history through the voices of the people who lived it. Jim Turk joined the firm in 1973, was licensed in 1975, and became a partner in 1979 — practicing for 35 years as an equity partner before spending another 12 as a mediator. Here, he looks back on the people, the culture, and the lessons that shaped his career.
What do you remember about your very first day or week at the firm?
I had an unusual start. I was teaching at Mankato State College and attending law school at night. In 1973, nearing the end of my second year of law school, I realized I needed to find a law clerk position for the summer. One day I was at Wells Fargo handling some personal banking and noticed there was a law firm upstairs — so I went up and asked the receptionist if I could talk to an attorney. That day I ended up speaking with Ray Krause and Bailey Blethen and learned they needed an investigator. Bailey called me that very same evening and asked me to start right away, as much as I could. He became my main mentor from then on. I was licensed to practice law in 1975 and became a partner in 1979.
When I joined, I noticed something unique: every attorney at the firm had never practiced law anywhere else. The six partners there had each spent their entire careers at that very firm — Kelly Gage, Ray Krause, Bailey Blethen, David Peterson, Dick Corcoran, and Randy Berkland (who worked briefly at the Attorney General's office right out of law school, but no other firm) — and then, later, myself. We all got along well, accepted our differences, and practiced law together.
How would you describe the firm's culture and environment then, compared to today?
The firm always had nice offices. When I started, we were above the Wells Fargo Bank. The practice of law was so different then — there was no advertising. You got clients by being involved in the community.
The culture was such that you didn't have to bill a certain number of hours in a certain amount of time. Everyone just worked hard, and when they needed to. People even came in on Saturday mornings. We worked hard, but we enjoyed the social side of office life, too.
What's the most hilariously outdated piece of technology you remember?
The CPT electric typewriter! Beyond being a typewriter, it had all sorts of other functions — but it was confusing enough that some of the secretaries had real difficulty making the jump from a manual typewriter to an electric one. It was a genuine adjustment.
We also used Dictaphones, but one of our attorneys, Art Ogle, would never accept that you could dictate into a device in your office and have it travel through the wiring in the ceilings to a secretary. So Art always had a secretary come into his office to take notes in shorthand instead.
What was the most significant pivot point or season of growth you witnessed?
Having been a college teacher, I knew teachers could take a sabbatical, so I brought the idea to the firm. After many discussions — and a lot of work figuring out the financial side — the partners came around, and it was implemented. Many of them went on trips across Europe; Bailey Blethen coached basketball at a school in Green Bay, Wisconsin; and my wife and I visited our daughter in Nantucket and traveled to Alaska, among other things.
Another pivotal moment was the discussion about minimum billable hours. The idea was that you might be penalized for not billing a certain number of hours (which we never actually did) — but if you worked well beyond that minimum, you'd be compensated for the extra effort.
Is there a case or milestone you're most proud to have been part of?
Early in my career I practiced family law for about five years, then spent the rest focused on general litigation with an emphasis on personal injury. One divorce case still sticks with me. A gentleman I represented roughly 50 years ago still sees me around town now and then, and he always stops to check how I'm doing and tell me about his two sons. I helped him win sole custody of his boys, which was unusual at the time.
Another milestone was when I started doing mediations. I loved the trials and litigation, but by the latter part of your career, trials get tiring. I practiced for 35 years as an equity partner, then mediated for 12 more — much less stressful.
Who were the legendary characters or mentors during your tenure?
My primary mentor was Bailey Blethen. He'd review my briefs and mark them up; I'd make the corrections, and we'd go back and forth two or three times. By the third round, Bailey would be changing something he had added himself, and I'd say, "Bailey — that's one of your own additions!" He told me he changed his own work all the time, and it didn't surprise him a bit. Bailey was always prepared.
Dick Corcoran was funny and witty. When my wife, Laura, first came to the office with our three daughters, Dick watched them walk in and said, "What are we doing, running a nursery here?"
Kelly Gage graduated first or second in his law school class at the University of Minnesota. He was so, so bright — he'd come up with ideas no one else could.
How did you see the firm give back to the community?
Everyone in our office was involved in and around the community — coaching sports, serving on school boards and service-organization boards, and more. It was the firm's philosophy then, and still is now: we weren't just here to practice law. Be a part of the community.
The people in the firm were also very supportive of one another, personally and professionally. Some of us ran in different social circles, but we were always there for each other — and some built close friendships well beyond the office.
What's the core "DNA" of the firm that has stayed exactly the same?
I believe the core DNA is the same now as it was when I started. It's about more than practicing law — it's about being part of the community.
If you could share one piece of wisdom with a new attorney today?
I have a few:
Whether you're new or seasoned, communicate with your clients so they feel their case is your most important one — because in their mind, it is. It may be the only time in their life they face litigation or a legal need. If you can't call someone back yourself because you're in trial, ask your assistant to call. They'll appreciate simply knowing you're aware of their question.
Do the best work you can.
This one comes with a story. I was mentoring one of our newer attorneys at the time, Julia Ketcham Corbett — now a senior partner. As a young attorney, Julia missed a deadline that carried some significance, and she was so nervous about how the judge and I would react. She came into my office crying (she calls it "ugly crying"). I understood her nerves, and — as the father of three daughters — I understood the emotion, too. I tried to help her see it simply: you missed it; now you take responsibility, deal with it, and figure it out.
And finally: you're not here just to practice law. Get involved in the community.
Read the full 130-year story behind our firm in Built on a Solid, Firm Foundation, and meet today's team on our Professionals page.