Baker, William Norton 1998-09-28

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Baker, a Lubbock attorney discusses his career and how thing have changed in the profession since he began in 1962.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: William Norton Baker

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: September 28, 1998

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Gene Preuss

Length: 1 hour


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: William Norton Baker, born February 6, 1935, in Plainview, Texas, Parents: Dorsey and Wanda Baker, Ran bank in Lockney, Texas, during Depression Era, 1953--graduated from Lockney High School, Southern Methodist University, 1956-received a B. B. A. in accounting, 1959-received a L. L. B. from Law School, Careers prior to beginning law practice, United States Army, Pete Martin Mitchell, a national CPA firm, 1960-1961, Begin law practice in Lubbock, August 15, 1962, Edward R. Smith, partner, Army (again), at Louisiana, In JAG, Judge Advocate General (defense attorney), 1st Lieutenant, 39th Armor Division, Pete Martin Mitchell (again), Tax research department suspended, Decided to practice law, Practicing Law in Lubbock, ca. 1960s, Lack of technology, Lack of equipment, Wages, Laws, Southern Methodist University (again), Influences in Lubbock, Jim Milam, Ralph Borck, attorney, Law practice, Paperwork and red tape, Business between lawyers, Type of law practiced, ca. 1960s, Worked with tax and civil cases, Changing law practice, 1986 Tax Act, Purpose, Changing law practice (again), Law firms, Work ethic - Saturdays, Lubbock tax problems before 1986, Accountants, Community Involvement, Rewards, Experience, Interest in history, Lubbock Tornado, 1970, Description, News, Influences on law practice

Tape 1, Side 2: Public opinion on lawyers, Trust and moral ethics, Laws that affected practice, 1976, increase federal estate tax exemption, 1981, unlimited spouse, 1986, Tax Act, Wills, State and Local Bar Association, Future of law profession, Too many lawyers, May not be as rewarding as before, Texas Tech Law School, Specializations in law, Real estate, Tax laws, Problems with too many laws and litigation, Landmark cases, Spears case (?), cotton litigation, Lubbock tax laws, Opinion, Development of businesses in Lubbock, Texas Tech University, Hospitals, Distribution, Banks, Hospital Merger in Lubbock, Methodist and St. Mary's, Two types of legal practices, Office, Trial, Career in South Plains

Range Dates: 1935-1998

Bulk Dates: 1962-1998


Access Information

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