To My Rice Amundsen and Caperton Family: By Jennifer Bicknell

To My Rice Amundsen and Caperton Family,

            I have been avoiding thinking about leaving.  I knew it was coming but I let it remain in the abstract to avoid any tears (I’m one of those ugly criers).  But, today is the day, and I guess I cannot avoid it any longer.

            Words cannot adequately express how much I have loved being a part of this family.  My time at the office has been one of the best things about being in Memphis; oh yeah and the whole graduating from law school thing was great too.  We have worked hard, played hard, drank hard, and laughed hard and I have loved every moment (well, almost every moment – there were some moments of extreme dislike when I was on my tenth trip up the stairs carrying boxes but…).  I had an amazing experience working here.  I learned so much about practicing law and I will always feel like this is my firm.

            I would like to give a special thank you to Larry.  Thank you for hiring me and allowing me to be a part of what you have built.  You created a place that helps each person shine and do what they do best and always feel appreciated.  I will miss your daily rounds, asking if we need anything and if we are happy.  I will miss it because I know you are genuinely concerned that we are happy and will do what you can to make sure we have what we need to be successful.  Thank you for your generosity, not only on bonus days (which I love and appreciate), but also your generosity of time in allowing me to go to court and mediations as well as just being willing to explain strategies and the like.  Your leadership has flowed down to every other person here and you have created a culture of teaching, cooperation, and openness. 

            I look forward to hearing all about the amazing things you all have happening in your lives.  I will miss each and every one of you.  This is a very special place to work and you all are extremely special to me.

All my love to all of you,

Jennifer Bicknell