Greeting everyone! As you can see by my last post, its been a while since I've updated The Legal Roller Coaster. My apologies to those who have noticed. My last piece was posted February 8, and was written while I was on a plane to Portland, Oregon to try a very large case in Oregon State Court. I returned to my home, my job, and my life about two and a half weeks ago. Over the last two months or so, I have worked harder than I ever have before on a long and exhausting trial, didn't see my wife or kids for almost seven weeks, flew to Phoenix to say my final farewell to my grandmother who had been sick for years and finally just couldn't go on any longer, and, just a few weeks later, went to DC to bury one of my best friends from law school who passed away incredibly suddenly at the age of only 35, leaving behind her husband and three children. I also took some time to attend the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Annual Meeting and present a short seminar to those fine folks. That's a lot to take on in the span of two months - particularly in the middle of a multi-million dollar trial. And all of that, particularly the death of my friend, got me thinking hard about what I do, what I like to do, and why I am doing it. So, for my first post back after a couple of months, I've decided to go in a somewhat uncharacteristic non-legal direction (and don't worry - this is probably a one-shot thing since I've got a lot of other things to talk about soon), and talk a little bit about why our industry is so important and why the work that we do really does matter to people.
About Me
- Erik H. Beard, Esq.
- I am a consultant and general counsel to International Ride Training LLC as well as a practicing attorney in Avon, Connecticut. A particular focus of mine is the legal needs of the amusement and tourism industry. My focus on the amusement industry derives from my pre-law career as an operations manager with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and Universal Orlando. Having started my career as a ride operator at Cedar Point in 1992, I progressed through the seasonal ranks and ultimately became the Manager of Ride Operations and Park Services at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. I also worked in Universal's operations department during the construction and development of Islands of Adventure. Today, I am an active member of the New England Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions and the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions. I have been invited to speak at amusement industry meetings and seminars and have worked on a variety of matters relating to this industry.
Legal Disclaimer (because, you know, I'm a lawyer)
This Blog/Web Site is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice (or any legal advice). By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher and / or author nor can such a relationship be created by use of his Blog / Web Site. By using thisBlog / Web Site you understand that any statement on the blog site are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of Wiggin and Dana LLP or International Ride Training LLC. By using this blog site you understand that the Blog/Web Site is not affiliated with or approved by Wiggin and Dana LLP or International Ride Training LLC. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state or jurisdiction. This blog is not published for advertising or solicitation purposes. Regardless, the hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.