Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 3, 1995 TAG: 9507030101
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Future lawbreakers, beware of one Patrick T. Nix.
The law student at the College of William and Mary is interning with Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney Cliff Hapgood this summer.
Hapgood turned over one of his cases to Nix last week - a man on trial on drug charges.
During the hearing, the man - who later was convicted - became sick and was quickly ushered outside the courtroom, where he vomited.
Nix's first case drew a thumbs-up review from Hapgood, who's been the county's lead prosecutor since 1984.
"In all my years here, I've never made a defendant throw up," he said.
Trying time for lawyer
State Sen. Brandon Bell's strident attack on the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association - and his unsuccessful attempt to return $500 that the organization gave him three years ago - has been a hot topic in the city's legal community.
Bell on June 20 criticized his Democratic opponent, Roanoke Vice Mayor John Edwards, for soliciting support from trial lawyers and bragging that he was supported by the association.
Bell's criticism has left at least one local member a bit on the spot: Roanoke Republican Chairman William Fralin Jr.
Fralin says he doesn't agree with many of the association's political stands. "Many of the positions they take with regard to legislation are not in the best interest of the commonwealth or its citizens," he said.
But he remains a member because he does a significant amount of trial work, the organization sells useful publications and it runs a good continuing legal education program.
by CNB