Criminal Law Masters of the Courtroom Attorney in Winona, Minnesota
Doug Thompson – “Be Who You Are”
Doug Thompson – “Be Who You Are”
More In This Category
View Transcript
I think from Doug and I hope I don’t tear up during this, be who you are but have a little bit of Doug Thompson in you. And what that means is you call things by their right name yet you’re fair. And I think what Doug brought to the practice is compassion and wit and to this day, if you – Doug Thompson use to pack the courtrooms when he’d give closing argument whether it was Ramsey Coney, Hennepin Coney the great Glennsheer massacre case up in Duluth.
If you ever want to hear Doug Thompson give a closing in 2016 even though he passed I 2007 you can find me and watch Doug Thompson close. And I gave his closing the last time was October 13 of this year a 27-minute acquittal. And after that case, 10:30 at night after having several wild turkey like Doug would have, I sent a text to his longtime partner and my good friend and colleague, Deborah Ellis. And the text was that I told her about the FNG found not guilty, assault on a police officer and I texted that it was all Dougie all day right down to the closing, the story of William Penn. And Deborah text back, Dougie would be proud of you.
Contact J.P. Plachecki
Email This Lawyer
(507) 452-3341
See All This Lawyer's Videos
Visit Lawyer's Website
Winona, MN Criminal Defense Attorney J.P. Plachecki shares stories about famous lawyer Doug Thomson. From Doug’s perspective, he hoped not to become emotional during this moment. He advised embracing one’s true self while also incorporating a touch of Doug Thompson’s essence. This approach involved accurately labeling things while maintaining a sense of fairness. Doug brought compassion and cleverness to his practice, a quality that continued to captivate courtrooms during his closing arguments. Whether it was the Glennsheer massacre case in Duluth or cases in Ramsey County and Hennepin County, Doug’s unique style packed the galleries.
Even though Doug Thompson passed away in 2007, those who wish to experience his closing arguments from 2016 can find them through his colleague. His final closing, performed by another attorney, resulted in a 27-minute acquittal. Following this victory, late in the evening after a few wild turkey drinks, a text was sent to Doug’s longtime partner and fellow attorney, Deborah Ellis. The message conveyed the news of the FNG (Found Not Guilty) verdict for the assault on a police officer case. The text also highlighted that the success was attributed to Doug’s influence, extending to the closing itself, which featured the story of William Penn. In response, Deborah texted that Doug would undoubtedly be proud of the accomplishment.
