In early June, I received confirmation that being around legal matters for long enough makes you start seeing those matters everywhere—even at Disneyland!

The State Bar of Arizona Chief Communications Officer is Rick DeBruhl, and in early June he sent me a note about a Disney anniversary that involved—of all things—lawyers! Among his other skills, Rick has been an automotive journalist for many years (in fact, he still is), which explains his opening line to me:

“Disneyland’s California Adventure is having a sort of re-opening this weekend. They re-did the front entrance as well as create Cars Land (which will, of course, be my favorite).”

Rick then continued, revealing that the role of the lawyer in society has moved to be front-of-his-mind:

“I noticed a picture that got my attention and thought I’d pass it along. On the new Buena Vista Street section, there is a sign that says ‘Lessing, Kamen and James.’ I’m not sure about James, but Gunther Lessing and Kay Kamen worked for Walt Disney when the company was going through the big growth years. Lessing was the general counsel, and Kamen was the merchandising guru. Supposedly they were instrumental in going after copyright infringers.”

Ever the reporter, Rick attached a photo from the Disney stock.

 

He also provided some documentation, including a link describing the subject street, a biography of Lessing and a bio of Kamen.

In an upcoming issue of Arizona Attorney Magazine, we will be publishing the results of a survey assessing lawyer satisfaction and happiness in Arizona. But in the meantime, connecting lawyers and the happiest place on Earth may be sheer genius.

By coincidence, my family and I are in Laguna Beach this week, no more than 25 miles from the Mouse Kingdom (alas, we were not able to visit Mickey and friends on this California trip). But on this Change of Venue Friday, I share the news that lawyers have transformed every area of American life—even in fantasy kingdoms! Or, as Rick put it, “I just think it’s interesting because how many attorneys get the chance to be immortalized at a major theme park!”

Have a great weekend.