The choice for this week’s Unsung Hero may be unusual.
Beatrice Franklin is an attorney. She represented Russell Oost-Lievense — pro bono — in last week’s marathon hearing to appeal the non-renewal of his contract.
The Board of Education denied his appeal.
But the long day was filled with drama. Over 14 hours, her cross-examinations, objections and statements could have been taken from a TV courtroom show.
Yet this wasn’t scripted. It was real life. The dozens of students packed into Town Hall got a real-life lesson in the law.
Beatrice Franklin
Several students — transfixed by her poise and passion — wanted to know more. They googled her, and learned she graduated from Harvard University (magna cum laude) and Columbia Law School.
They saw she was named a Rising Star by National Law Journal, and was on Lawdragon’s Next Generation of Leading Lawyers list.
They learned she clerked for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
In a day that was mostly about men — 2 coaches; the Board of Education “mediator”; the superintendent of schools, Staples principal and athletic director, and their lawyer — Franklin stood out.
During a break in the proceedings, she walked into the lobby.
A group of girls watched, awe-struck. In their eyes, the attorney was a rock star.
“I think I want to be a lawyer,” one said.
If her work inspired only one girl — or boy — to want a career dedicated to justice, and the rule of law, then Beatrice Franklin won the day.
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After watching Attorney Franklin for 8 of those hours, my impression was that only she and Mr Harrington were asking the pertinent questions looking for the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!!
Very impressive lawyering with a quiet demeanor but a commanding presence, great questioning and quick perceptive thoughtfulness.
In an age when lawyers get a bad rap more often than not, this is both refreshing and encouraging to the present and coming generations seeking a meaningful place in the social matrix. Brava lawyer Franklin. You rock, quietly and with purpose.
Beatrice Franklin was sensational. Focused on facts, she was still compassionate enough to help opposing counsel when they couldn’t read their questions or find the testimony they needed. The BOE and administration lawyers that we all paid for were an abject embarrassment compared to the lawyer who worked for free.
Thank you Beatrice. I had my daughter skip school to watch as I assumed there was no lesson she could get that would make more of an impression than watching you in action. You did not disappoint. Definitely my (unsung) hero
Kudos to you Beatrice for standing up for fairness
So very inspiring.
Beatrice is ten steps ahead of everyone and has a train of thought no other lawyer could comprehend or battle.
She is a force. Watching her in action, I was in awe and total excited shock. Her line of questioning, approach, and execution, she can go anywhere!
Was his contract not renewed or was he fired?