Articles
TCL: What’s Your Personal Definition Of Success?
Feeling good about what you are doing.
TCL: Who Is The Most Successful Person You Know?
My mother, even though she never had a career.
TCL: What Have Been Your Greatest Accomplishments?
Being the first person in my family to graduate from college and then going on to graduate from law school.
TCL: What Have Been Your Setbacks Or Disappointments?
My biggest disappointment was the dissolution of a small law firm in which I was a partner over 20 years ago.
TCL: What Influence Did Your Mother Have On Your Life?
My mother has been a great role model for me. Her sense of justice and compassion have helped mold me into the person that I am today.
TCL: What Influence Did Your Father Have On Your Life?
My father was generous to a fault. He helped me understand the value of hard work.
TCL: Name One Of Your Heroes (Other Than Your Parents) And Tell Why He Or She Is Heroic To You
Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas is one of my heroes. He stood firm in his opinions in the face of great disdain by many. He understood the meaning of the words “Congress shall make no law.” He read the Constitution in such a manner as to make it applicable to all of us, whether rich or poor.
TCL: What Talents Or Natural Abilities Make You Good At What You Do?
I am good at working with other people and letting them do what they do best, guiding them when necessary, but generally letting them have the freedom to make their own decisions.
TCL: What Have You Learned To Do That Was Not A Natural Talent But Has Helped You Be Successful?
I was not a natural public speaker, but have become much better over time.
TCL: What Would A Person Starting Out Today Have To Do To Enter Your Profession Or Position?
Working as an Executive Director of a non-profit, pro bono agency would require you to have a background in law, management and business. Working in a law firm or at a legal aid office for some years to understand the actual practice of law would be important, and as a part of that, learning the business side of the law would be very helpful.
TCL: What Values Do You Hold In Highest Regard?
Honesty and integrity.
TCL: How Would You Characterize Your Personal Style?
Laid back, but interested in what others are doing.
TCL: Do You Have A Personal Vision, A Positive Picture Of Yourself In The Future? If Yes, What Is It?
I am nearing retirement age, but I don’t see myself ever completely retiring. I think I will go back to being a volunteer attorney after I retire from my current position.
TCL: What Are You Most Interested In Or Passionate About?
Trying to help others get access to justice, without regard to income.
TCL: Which Life Skills Have You Developed That Serve You Best?
I am good at schmoozing, so that helps me in the fundraising arena, which I have to be involved in all of the time.
TCL: What Magazines, Newspapers Or Journals Do You Read Regularly?
The daily newspaper, the local bar journal, the state bar journal, the ABA Journal, and Time Magazine.
TCL: What Internet Websites Do You Frequent?
Many, including the state bar website, travel websites, the ABA website, and various others when a particular question arises.
TCL: What Are Your Favorite Books? What Books Have You Read Recently That You Would Recommend And Why?
I have read almost everything written by Grisham and Ludlum. Recently I just read the entire seven book series of Harry Potter (my wife and children had read them as they came out and I just had to find out why they were so fascinated. I found out why).
TCL: What Are Your Favorite Films? What Films Have You Seen Recently That You Would Recommend And Why?
One I remember from years ago is 2001: A Space Odyssey. Recently I saw Balls of Fire, which had every sports cliché ever used in it and was great fun, although not really a great movie.
TCL: What Is Your Biggest Concern About Life On The Planet?
Global warming, whether man-made or cyclical.
TCL: What Is Fun For You?
Traveling and attending bar events.
TCL: What Especially Galls You?
Bad drivers.
TCL: If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently? Why?
I think I would have done more reading. It seems like I haven’t read a lot of the great books. Maybe I will do that in retirement.
TCL: What Do You Want To Make Sure You Accomplish Before You Die?
I would like to travel to France and Germany.
TCL: Is There Anything You?d Like To Add?
Thank you!
Brad Thorsen is Executive Director of Volunteer Lawyers Network in Minneapolis. After graduating from law school at the University of Minnesota in 1974, he was an associate and then partner at a small law firm, then became General Counsel of a Real Estate Company in 1983. He returned to private practice in 1987. In 2003 he joined VLN. Brad was a volunteer with VLN all throughout his career, including being on its Board and Executive Committee. He has been President of the Hennepin County Bar Association, a member of the Executive Committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association and a member of the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for Pro Bono service in 2001. Brad has been married to his wife Madge for 36 years and has two grown daughters.
