Lawrence Otis Graham RIP

I read in the New York Times today that Larry Graham had passed away. I never met Larry Graham and only spoke to him a few times over the phone, but our interaction was an important one in my life.

In 1995 I had a fledging legal practice specialising in divorce law. I had an idea for a book on divorce law, but had no idea how one went about publishing a nonfiction book. My wife worked at the law firm of Weil Gotshal Manges where Larry was an associate attorney and already an accomplished author. She asked him if he would speak with me about the writing process. I will never forget how gracious Larry was; how he patiently explained about how to obtain an agent, and what to submit to a publisher. He even sent me copies of what he had submitted in his own publishing ventures. Larry didn’t know me from Adam, but took the time out to guide a colleague over unfamiliar terrain.

We never spoke again but I will always remember Larry’s kindness.