[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING BAKER, MANOCK & JENSEN FOR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 2003

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Baker, 
Manock & Jensen for a century of practicing law. The celebration of 
this event took place on October 23, 2003, in Fresno, California.
  In 1903, Henry E. Barbour and William A. Sutherland established two 
separate law practices in Fresno, starting a 100-year tradition. The 
two practices formed into a partnership in 1906 and split off seven 
years later into two branches: the Barbour branch and the Sutherland 
branch. Mr. Barbour served seven terms as Congressman for the 7th 
District of California while he maintained his practice. He passed away 
in 1945 from illness but the Barbour branch sustained with partners 
William C. Meux and John J. Gallagher. The Sutherland branch remained 
active until 1920 when Mr. Sutherland entered the banking business. His 
break from law didn't last long since he resumed his practice with a 
new partner, Milton M. Dearing, in 1926. Four years later, the firm 
added another name to its title when Gilbert H. Jertberg joined. Mr. 
Sutherland died in 1935, but the branch continued and eventually became 
Jertberg & Avery.
  The firm's continuity, despite changes in partnership, was 
unshakable. In 1955, Mr. Jertberg started a 20-year career in the 
federal courts. He was nominated to the United States Court of Appeals 
for the Ninth District in 1958. After Mr. Dearing went into 
semiretirement, Mr. Avery, of the Sutherland branch, invited Meux & 
Gallagher--the Barbour branch--to partner with him on the sixth floor 
of the Security Bank Building. The Sutherland and Barbour lines were 
brought together again. In the mid 1970s, John H. Baker, Kendall L. 
Manock, and Douglas B. Jensen were partnered. The three names have 
comprised the firm's title since. The strength of the firm can be 
attributed to the many influential lawyers, as well as former and 
current shareholders that have been dedicated to the adherence to our 
laws.
  Today, the firm is one of the largest law firms in Central California 
and utilizes 38 full-time lawyers and 10 paralegals to meet the needs 
of its clients. Until the 1960s, lawyers usually practiced general law, 
but now they have become much more specialized. Baker, Manock & Jensen 
has attorneys recognized for their expertise in areas such as 
reclamation law, environmental law, employment law, and medical 
malpractice defense.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Baker, Manock & Jensen for 
100 years of law practice. Recognizing the importance and uniqueness of 
our constitution and court system, I invite my colleagues to join me in 
commending Baker, Manock & Jensen for its dedication to its clientele 
and the law.




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