[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN MAJOR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Berman and I are honored today to pay 
tribute to Judge John Major who last week was recognized by the San 
Fernando Valley Bar Association with the Distinguished Service Award. 
When Mr. Major recently stepped down from the bench, our area sustained 
the loss of an individual that went out of his way to make the 
courtroom a place where both litigants and defendants were at ease and 
justice was served in a way that was best for all involved.
  Mr. Major's early career involved a period in the Army and work in 
the aerospace industry. As John's professional career developed, his 
interest in government and law increased, leading him to enroll in law 
school. John's time at UCLA School of Law was difficult, as he was 
forced to balance school and work while holding down three jobs. Even 
with these adversities, John's determination to become a lawyer only 
increased. He completed his final 2 years of study on his own at night 
while working full time. He saw the fulfillment of his dreams in 1957 
when, on his first attempt, he passed the California bar exam. The 
obstacle he overcame in his time studying law affected his later career 
as a judge. Whenever he saw people struggling, he told them, ``you can 
accomplish whatever you choose to in life.''
  As a young lawyer, John worked for the Legal Aid Society in Santa 
Monica for 2 years. Shortly after that he opened his own practice that 
he maintained for 12 years. His career changed when he took a case 
defending a minor he enjoyed the tremendous positive impact he had on 
the young man's life. In defending the youth of our area, John found a 
challenging and rewarding career. Through his endeavors he became a 
juvenile court referee and eventually was appointed a Superior Court 
Commissioner. As a commissioner he worked in almost every juvenile 
court in Los Angeles County.
  In 1984, Mr. Major was appointed to the superior court bench by 
Governor Deukmejian. His years on the court were his way of leaving a 
positive impact. According to many attorneys, he put people at ease 
with his humor and easy going demeanor. In handing down decisions, 
Judge Major did not hesitate to take into account the particular 
circumstances, at times straying form the usual sentence, especially in 
dealing with young people. The judge's calming influence and experience 
in dispute resolution will be sorely missed as he is an excellent 
communicator with a gift of engendering himself to all sides in a 
dispute.
  When Judge Major stepped down from the bench last week, our community 
sustained a substantial loss. The effects of his service have reached 
well beyond the courtroom, as he has had a tremendous positive impact 
on the surrounding community. The legacy of his work will continue on 
for years to come in the lives of the many individuals be touched.

                          ____________________