Costa Mesa, California
April 15, 2021
Dear Family & Friends:
Have you ever wondered how cases are argued in the United States Supreme Court? I didn’t think so, but I’ll continue anyway with this off-topic post.
The Supreme Court has been in the news recently and that started me reminiscing about my appearance before the Court in 1979 when I was just 37. My client was Ford Motor Credit Company and the issue in the case was whether Ford Credit had made proper disclosures under a federal statute related to consumer credit contracts. Just for fun, I ran a web search and happened across an audio recording of the argument. I was shocked that the recording is still available. You can listen to the oral argument by clicking on “Oral Argument-December 4, 1979” under “Media” in this link. At the beginning of the audio, there is a 60 second delay before the Chief Justice invites me to present my argument.
The case was argued before Chief Justice Warren E. Burger and Associate Justices William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, William H. Rehnquist, Harry A. Blackmun, Byron R. White, Potter Stewart, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and John Paul Stevens. Several months later, the Court ruled in favor of Ford Credit in a unanimous 9-0 Opinion authored by Mr. Justice Brennan. Two years later, I was back before the Court in another case in which I represented Ford Credit. The 8-1 decision in that case also favored my client.
I had a long and satisfying career in the law. In 2003, I turned the last page on that chapter of my life and entered uncharted territory. That’s when mountains, rivers, trekking trails and motorcycles took over my life.
Over the past 79 years, I have learned two lessons that have served me well: (i) life is an adventure that can be successfully navigated only through the Grace of God and (ii) never give up on your dreams.
Don’t worry, I promise to stay more on topic in future posts. In my next post, I will announce a major change in my adventure plan for 2021.
Bill
I’m amazed that there is audio of your appearance from 1979. Very impressive.
Thank you or sharing with us. What an amazing career you had and an even better retirement. I look forward to all your posts. Stay well! God speed.
Bill I knew you were special but this tops even Everest. I know you as God Fearing, family loving, adventure bound to the bone and now orator before our highest court. God has truly blessed you with your heart and your intellect and…you didn’t waste it.
Bill, with the Biden administration considering an expansion of the Supreme Court, the high Court will be on everyone’s mind. Glad you are still archived.
Rick
Cool 😎
Thanks for sharing your High Court Case. I’m wondering if you had “butterflies”!
I am truly impressed. So glad that you allowed us to hear you at work in law. You were so clear, and your points of argument was impeccable, even for me who did not understand much of it.
So proud and honored to know you
Doesn’t surprise me that you argued before the Supreme Court. Anyone who has had all the adventures you have had, can certainly take on the Supreme Court and win.
Seriously cool Mr Burke! Thanks for posting this
Finally got time to listen to your Supreme Court orations… from the highest court to the highest peak! well done, Bill… k;-)
A treasure as you are!!! Thanks for sharing…You are a blissful good hearted soul :-)… <3