1997-98 ROXANNE WILSON AWARD WINNER
Frederick S. "Rick" Spencer
by James V. Spencer, III
"Rick, you'll never get your money back!" My dad had just admonished his ten (10) year old son, who had loaned his entire savings from his 50 cents per week allowance and earnings from yard work to a down and out vagrant who had a daily resting spot on the steps of the Union County Courthouse. "But Dad, he promised to pay me back and I believe him."
Rick and I grew up in El Dorado, brothers who father and grandfather practiced law together in a family partnership. We would spend the summers following our dad and granddad to the courthouse, pretending to be lawyers, operating the courthouse elevator, and walking through Sterling's five and dime. Rick never met a stranger, and after hearing the vagrant's sad tale of woe, was moved to help him with what money he had.
Perhaps because the vagrant nobody trusted somehow paid him back to the penny, Rick's childish generosity, trusting nature, and love for the unlovable was validated and continued into his later personal and professional life.
Rick graduated from the University of Arkansas Law School at Fayetteville in 1975. Dad and I both wanted him to come home to El Dorado and practice with us, but his fierce independence dictated another path. He settle down in Mountain Home, Arkansas where his solo general practice soon found him advocating for the poor and oppressed, specializing in workers' compensation, social security, and personal injury law.
Recognized nationally for his work in social security law, he was named president of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives and was a founder and president of the Arkansas Injured Workers' Association.
I know Rick greatly appreciated this honor in memory of Roxanne Wilson, because almost four years ago, Rick lost his own wife, Coralee to cancer and knew how these courageous women had fought "the good fight," but were taken at the height of their productiveness, when both were so loved and respected by their family, friends, and professional peers.
Rick has always "led with his heart, not with his head." Many times in my practice, when I evaluate whether to take a case, I lead with my head......."How will I ever be paid?" Rick leads with his heart......."This person needs my help."
I believe the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association fulfilled the high standards of the Roxanne Wilson Advocacy when they selected my brother as its recipient.
"Keep leading with your heart, Rick.......you'll get back every penny."
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