In a midtown Manhattan lawyer’s office in early 1995, I found myself sitting opposite from one of New York City’s sharpest legal minds. I had called Kord Lagemann a week or two earlier and asked for an appointment. I had some important questions for him. He had represented my Dad in his legal action (arbitration, actually) against Herby Wellington, the churning stock broker from “Slaminger” brokerage. Kord had won a million dollar settlement in Dad’s favor, proving that he not only talked the talk but walked the walk.
Kord studied me intently as he lit his pipe. Although dressed professionally, he looked like he had stepped off a ferry at the Aker brygge ferry terminal in central Oslo. Opening the meeting, I thanked him for his efforts on behalf of my Dad and the family. After a serene pause, Kord responded that Slaminger’s actions and those of its broker had been clearly abusive and excessive. He had been happy to help.
Pressing on, I explained to him the reason for my visit. My Dad had recently received a “present” consisting of a brand new red BMW from Herby. And, as a result, Dad had now reopened a stockbroking account with the aforementioned broker, the one that Kord had successfully sued. Kord showed no reaction as he puffed on his pipe and listened to my concerns attentively.
“You’re right,” he told me, “There is reason for concern.” But there was nothing he or I could do. Meeting over. I was stunned.
The Bernard Olcott Story 