My Grandfather - A Working Class Hero

My Grandfather

January 2021

My grandfather was a shipyard worker during World War II and a life-long member of the Laborer’s Union. He was a bull of a man, who wore concrete-crusted work boots, oil-stained khakis, and sweat-dampened shirts as he labored throughout his life. He registered as a Democrat during the Great Depression, and he was faithful to the Holy Trinity of Roosevelt, Truman, and Kennedy. Politics? If you supported labor, you got his vote. If you slandered Cesar Chavez, you earned his ire. He was a powerful man with a strong personality who provided for and protected his family. Work, and the ability to take care of his family, were essential to him. Passion? It ran deep, but in my lifetime, I saw him weep just twice.

            The first time was when I was 18. He asked me if I had registered to vote. Yes, I said. Did I register as a Democrat or a Republican, as had all five of my grandfather’s children? Democrat, grandpa. At that point, he teared up and hugged me. He said he was proud of me. Memories of the Depression were still vivid in his mind. Etched in his soul were memories of a wheelchair bound-president with a New Deal who inspired hope and counseled against fear.

            The second time was on the day that I took my oath as a member of the California State Bar. My grandparents were there. My grandfather had bought a newly tailored suit for the occasion. It was the only time I saw him in a suit and tie. This man who did not have a high school diploma and had never met a lawyer in his life now had a grandson who would practice law. On that day, I promised my grandfather that no matter how long I practice law or how much money I might make, I will never forget who I am. I will never represent rich against poor or strong against weak. I will never represent big against small or many against few. And no matter how long I practice law, I will never work against the working man because doing so would be like working against my family. In that moment, as tears rolled down his face, he told me he was proud of me.

            Over the past 30 years, I have kept my promise to my grandfather. I devoted my career to representing men and women exposed to asbestos while working for their families. I am proud of the work we do. I am proud to be the grandson of a working-class hero.

                                                                                                             -Ron Shingler