Portrait of a Jurist: Retired Bankruptcy Judge and Active Public Interest Lawyer Frank J. Bailey

In some courts, when a judge retires, their law clerks or others get together and pay an artist to paint the judge's official portrait. When the portrait is ready, there is a ceremony at the courthouse attended by the judge and the judge’s family, the judge’s clerks, other courthouse staff, and the judge’s friends and colleagues. After a number of speeches honoring the judge, the portrait is unveiled and guests stay to get a close up look at it, congratulate the honoree, and indulge in light refreshments. After the event, the portrait is hung in one of the courtrooms where it will remain for many years to come. 

A year or so ago I attended just such a ceremony for retired federal bankruptcy court judge Frank Bailey. I’d gotten to know Frank a bit through American Bar Association meetings we’ve attended in recent years, and monthly luncheons of a small group of active and retired Massachusetts lawyers and judges who enjoy each other’s company and lively conversation. Although it was easy for me as a relatively recent acquaintance to discover what a likeable person Frank is, I learned at the unveiling ceremony just how much he is loved and revered by those who have known him much longer and better than I. 

At one of our luncheons, Frank told me about some of the work he now leads as President of the Pioneer Public Interest Law Center. The Center is a nonprofit and nonpartisan law firm that, as described in its mission statement, “defends and promotes educational options, accountable government and economic opportunity across the Northeast and around the country.” It does that, in part, by filing lawsuits and friend-of-the-court briefs in cases where Pioneer believes its participation would advance these values the organization was formed to promote. The Law Center is selective in the cases it takes, and only takes cases that it views as important to its public service mission. 

A few weeks ago I asked Frank if he’d be willing to appear on the Higher Callings podcast, and he graciously agreed. The conversation you are about to hear gave me an opportunity to learn more about Frank’s background and career, including his work on the United States Bankruptcy Court, his significant roles with the American Bar Association, and the important efforts he now leads as President of the Law Center.  

I’m pleased to share with you the delightful conversation I had with this exceptional role model and public servant, retired Judge Frank Bailey.

If you have enjoyed the Higher Callings podcast, you might also enjoy Don's Substack Newsletter, Reflections of a Boston Lawyer, which you can find here: https://donaldfrederico.substack.com/

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:47 Portrait of the Jurist as a Young Man
• 15:16 Law Clerk
• 24:47 Private Practitioner
• 30:12 Bankruptcy Judge
• 49:44 Service to the Bench and Bar
• 56:31 Pioneer Public Interest Law Center
• 1:09:24 Professionalism: Advice for Young Lawyers