Ace_ Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 (edited) Young v. LSSD & State of San Andreas; Attorney Buntz: "It's sad that even to this day, African-Americans still suffer neglect." Published by Mia Harris - 09/08/2023 Mia Harris: Welcome to our studio, Mister Buntz! I'm pleased that you accepted my offer for an interview. Frank Buntz: I'm glad to be here, Mia! Mia Harris: Tell me, why did you decide to pursue this type of career? What was your biggest motivation and who is the person you look up to the most, career-wise? Frank Buntz: I grew up in Detroit, Mia. On the east side. My father worked as a meatpacker, bringing in only a few dollars and cents a day. And when I was approaching college, with each passing day I saw more and more people being wronged. I saw more injustice. Now, at that age, and back then, a lot of people felt that way. Thing is though, I saw the hippies and I thought to myself - their cause is noble, but they weren't accomplishing anything, you know? I reckoned if I became a lawyer, if I had the power to actually make a change? That'd be worth pursuing. Mia Harris: What are some key qualities that make a successful attorney? Frank Buntz: If I had to sum it up in a few words? It'd be finesse. Finesse and balance. Now, law school will make you think that if you get your Juris Doctor, slap on a fancy suit and go to work for a big firm, that you'll instantly be guaranteed success. This isn't true. A lot of lawyers crumble under paperwork, or they don't know how to work the procedure. The procedure is what it's all about. Success takes knowing how to balance all the subtleties of the legal world. Mia Harris: Is this now the peak in your career, or have you considered to become a judge? Or maybe get involved in politics? Frank Buntz: I don't consider this my peak. There's still a lot more I want to achieve, and not necessarily money, or some sense of approval from other, more orthodox attorneys. I want to make a significant change in San Anne, for the better. Judge? No, I don't think so. Politics? I guess we'll see. Mia Harris: You've said it here now Frank, that we might see you in politics! (Chuckles.) Frank Buntz: We'll see! Right now though, I'm a lawyer. My effort is directed toward my clients, and some of the cases I still have open. Most notably, the Ezekial Young case. Mia Harris: Can you tell us more about the said case? Frank Buntz: Well, I'll share what I'm legally allowed to. Ezekial Young is a talented man who was charged earlier in the year with several crimes and then kept in housing in Twin Towers Correctional Facility. During his stay at Twin Towers, he suffered physical trauma that left him hospitalized, and nobody informed the DA that he couldn't make it to court. When he couldn't make it, they gave him a life sentence. Life in prison. Thankfully we got it overturned, but we're still seeking justice for all the abuse Ezekial went through. It's sad that even to this day, African-Americans still suffer neglect from our State Government. It's unfair, and he rightly wants a conclusion to this dark chapter of his life. Mia Harris: When you're fighting for a client in court, and throughout the whole process, you kind of get close to the person or their family, right? Can you get personally affected of some people's situations or you see it like any other job, you clock off and it's over? Frank Buntz: You learn to shut off court when you get home at night, Mia. But in all honesty, I do feel anger for some of the injustices my clients have gone through. Their want for justice fuels my passion. Wouldn't you feel angry, if you learned just how much bs gets dealt to the citizens of Los Santos? The police brutality, or the racism like in Ezekial's case? Mia Harris: In your opinion, what are some misconceptions that people have about the legal system, and how do you clarify them? Frank Buntz: A big misconception is that people judge a lawyer by their outward appearance. You can't judge a book by its cover. A lawyer might dress in fancy clothes, speak all kinds of legal babble to sound intelligent, but in the end, with lawyers like that? You're just paying for the name. Mia Harris: Have you ever faced a high-pressure situation in the courtroom, and if so, how did you handle it? Frank Buntz: Oh, all the time. The trick is to just stay calm and breathe. You know, court is a very slow process, but it can feel like you're running a marathon. I paced myself, that's how I handled it. Mia Harris: Do you prefer settling out of court or you go straight to trial? Frank Buntz: When I go to trial, I fight hard. People know that. And if they'd rather settle out of court? That's fine by me. I'll tell you one thing, though. I don't stop until my client sees something substantial out of the case. I don't wimp out on cases. Mia Harris: "The biggest issue, I would have to say - I find the somewhat apathetic views of my fellow residents of this great city and this great state, in regards to the law, the judicial system and so forth, concerning. I encourage everyone to inform themselves about the laws, their rights stemming from these laws and means to exercise and protect those rights, should the need arise", said Presiding Judge Matthew Jackson in an interview for Los Santos Insider. Do you agree with him? Frank Buntz: I agree that apathy is systematically destroying San Andreas. Used to, basic law was taught in high school. People understood what the politicians were saying, and everyone had a common goal. That was America. People have the right to vote, they have the right to campaign, and to rally behind an idea. They can't do that if they're apathetic. Apathy nearly cost Ezekial Young his life behind bars. So yes, I agree. Mia Harris: Going back to your college days, the younger Frank who was just starting out as a future lawyer - what advice would you give the current law students who are considering to continue pursuing the same path and become lawyers? What advice would be the right advice that you would tell them, so in order for them to succeed in this field? Frank Buntz: My advice is this - in the end, competition doesn't matter as long as the client is satisfied. Don't expect a fancy car to drop into your lap as soon as you graduate. If you're good, all that will come. Focus on learning the law, focus on how you can better serve your client. In the end, they're the reason you've got a job. And most importantly? Have fun with it. Make your own identity, the institutions can't stop you from being yourself, no matter how much they'll brow-beat you for it. Mia Harris: Do you accept pro bono cases, Mr. Buntz? Frank Buntz: Of course, Mia. Some people legitimately need representation, and if that means me taking a pro bono case? I'd be glad to do it. Mia Harris: Let me ask, who is Frank privately? What are you doing when you are not in the courtroom, or having to do anything related to your job? What are your doing for fun, what type of hobbies you have? Frank Buntz: I enjoy a bit of golf, and going to the movies. What I really enjoy is jazz though, Mia. I used to play piano at The Raven in Detroit on Saturday nights. Chet Baker, Jimmy Scott, Dave Brubeck especially... I grew up on all of that, and I still listen to it today. Old jazz, you know? Back when people would experiment... back when it took grit to make it, and all the blues they sang about were real. It's the music of urban living... and you can feel it in the notes, even when there ain't any words. Jazz isn't like it used to be, though. Some say the glory days are over, but... I think we can still listen to the past, and embrace it in the present. Edited September 8, 2023 by Ace_ 4 Link to comment
Ace_ Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 Comments Are: Enabled Name: Comment: 1 Link to comment
subway244 Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 (edited) Name: fbuntz Comment: Thank you so much for featuring me in this article. Edited September 8, 2023 by subway244 1 Link to comment
munnezza Posted September 10, 2023 Share Posted September 10, 2023 Name: presidentofuganda21 Comment: LSSD biggest gang out there smd bunch of thugs with a badge 1 Link to comment
Smith Posted September 10, 2023 Share Posted September 10, 2023 NAME: DVSjanitor COMMENT: not surprised this ambulance chaser has aspirations for politics. he'll fit right in with the crooks. 1 Link to comment
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