Civil/Personal Injury Cases:
Letter to Thomas L. Heeney from client who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in a motor vehicle accident:
. . . The words spoken by the nurse will forever be ingrained in my memory . . . (Our son) suffered a traumatic brain injury which required months in three hospitals during which he remained in a coma for approximately the first thirty days at shock trauma . . .
A long time friend suggested we speak to Tom Heeney . . . The confidence, compassion and sincere desire expressed during that meeting was enough for my wife and I to know this firm would do everything possible to help our son. . .
I never was in doubt that (our son's) best interests were the main concern of (Heeney & Arii, Chartered). . . (our son) was reminded several times of Tom's statement ". . .I promise I will take care of you. . . a heart felt declaration of his intensions. . .
We not only have the availability of professionals in the practice of law, but we have established life long friendships during this time that we will forever cherish. Thank you for fulfilling your promise. . .
In a letter to Thomas L. Heeney from client who was a victim of a double pitbill mauling in her neighborhood and received a liability limits policy limits settlement after the court denied Summary Judgment Motion filed by Defendants:
I want to extend my gratitude to you, Ms. Arii , and your staff for resolving my case with such care and professionalism. After experiencing a vicious dog attack and narrowly escaping with my life, I was greatly in need of supportive, experienced, and talented representation. Thanks to your expertise, attention to detail, keen strategic instincts, and most importantly, your impassioned and empathetic dedication to my case, it has finally been successfully settled. . . Now that the suit has been resolved, I can concentrate on healing and trying to recover my love of dogs and the outdoors. You and your staff have helped me to get my life back. I consider you not only my attorney, but my friend, and would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone needing representation.
Letter to Thomas L. Heeney from client who suffered a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in a motor vehicle accident:
I would like to extend our deep appreciation to you, Sei-Hee and your entire staff for the way you have handled my case. ... Your compassion and understanding were instrumental in helping us through the most difficult time of our lives.
Our family came to America as refugees from former Soviet Union in 1990. After initial struggles of new immigrants we were able to achieve some financial security in addition to the freedom that the new country gave to us. But all this changed in 2001 when on 31 May I was hit by 18-wheeler delivery truck that run thru red light. This accident left me with mild brain injury and unable to work...... From very first meeting that we felt we could trust you to protect our interests in a way like you would protect your own. And as time shows our first impression was right. Indeed after each conversation with you I felt that I would handle the case exactly same way if I would be in your place. After my husband passed away you came to my house to assure that you will take care of me. And you did.
Having never been in a lawsuit before I was stunned at all of the preparation that must be gathered in the process. You and you stuff spend enormous time and efforts to prepare. In process of the settlement you left the table after a defendant offers $1,500,000 and considered it insufficient. At the end, it was just amazing that you also made the insurance defense lawyer apologize directly to me for his law firm and experts having said throughout the case that I did not really have a brain injury, and could have held down a job if I wanted to!
I want you to know how very much I appreciate the time, effort, and long hours you spent on my behalf. Your experience, dedication and intellect earned my deep respect and made you the finest example that any attorney needs strive to become. I would be pleased to recommend you to all my friends. I hope that your future clients will be equally benefit from you your legal expertise and dedication for years to come.
In a letter to Thomas L. Heeney from client regarding an insurance claim:
Please accept my sincere thanks for all of your help. I appreciate what you did for me.... Thanks for everything that you have done for my family in the past. We truly would not have been able to have come through this without you. What you do truly makes a difference.
Letter to Thomas L. Heeney from an attorney colleague who referred a Personal Injury/ Automobile Negligence client:
[Client] called to say he really appreciated my referral. He said you must really love your job. He thought you did a fantastic job for him and he was very pleased with your representation and with the outcome you obtained for him. I told him at the time I referred him to you that I had much trust and confidence in you and in your capability and experience and that he would be in very good hands.... The primary concern I have when referring my clients to other lawyers is that they receive top representation and hopefully a good outcome. When the job is done with your effectiveness and professionalism, it also reflects well on me.... Contrary to popular misconception, many lawyers practice law not because they hope to become rich, but because their humanity compels them to use their education, experience, judgment and skill to help people solve what are sometimes life-altering problems. I wanted you to get your thank you.
Note to Thomas L. Heeney signed by surviving child and his widower father, ex-U.S. Marine, on a framed reproduction of "The Stitching Nurse", a work by P. Buckley Moss in honor of the nurse victim who, while she was attending to a sleeping disabled child, was murdered by a hit man aided and abetted by a published murder manual:
Tom: Your successful effort in bringing forth justice for [client] will never be forgotten. Semper Fi.
Letter to Thomas L. Heeney from an expert witness psychologist who treated widower client in a Wrongful Death civil case in Federal Court captioned Horn and Saunders vs. Paladin Press commonly known as "The Hit Man Case":
I was very pleased to get your phone call and learn that the case has been settled.... I have enjoyed working with you and hope we will have another opportunity in the future. You are one of the best organized attorneys I have ever been involved with. Congratulations on the case.
In a Personal Injury Automobile Negligence case involving trauma induced glaucoma, letter from the client to Thomas L. Heeney:
I thank you and your staff for doing such a remarkable job on my case.... I am so very grateful for all of the difficult and dedicated work you did on my case. I know it was probably one in a million but the next time you will win again. You're an expert and I commend you on your fine work.... You gave your whole hearted devotion....
Unlawful Employment Termination case, letter from client to Thomas L. Heeney:
I am deeply grateful for everything you have done for me. From our very first meeting you gave me the assurance that everything would be OK. Your expertise gave me peace of mind that no one else could have given me.... I will give you the highest recommendation to anyone who requires your services.
Letter to Thomas L. Heeney from opposing counsel concerning the result of a Fire Insurance Breach of Contract plaintiff claim, with an arson defense case, tried in Federal Court:
I am grateful for the many courtesies that were extended throughout this matter. Your reputation as one of the finest trial lawyers in Maryland is well deserved. Hopefully, we will be on the same side sometime in the future.
Letter to Thomas L. Heeney from an attorney colleague in a Pittsburgh, PA law firm concerning the result in a Personal Injury Automobile Negligence case:
You are to be congratulated on an astonishingly good result in this case. If we ever have another matter in your area, you will be the first person I call. Thanks again for a great job.
DWI/MVA/Traffic Cases:
Comments on the record made to Thomas L. Heeney by the Honorable Louis D. Harrington, Judge of the District Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, after hearing a D.W.I. case:
Mr. Heeney, I will return your materials to you. I do want to say on the record that practically anybody can come in and plead a first offender. I've been very impressed by the job you did for [the client] this afternoon. It's when a person has multiple offenses that it becomes particularly challenging to come up with a good creative solution, and I know [the client] appreciates, and the Court appreciates, the attention you gave to this case.
In a DWI/MVA case, card from client's mother to Thomas L. Heeney:
Many thanks for your kind consideration! Because of your expertise, my son has been given the wonderful opportunity to regain his life and to make his dreams a reality! God bless you!
In a DWI/MVA case, letter from the client to Thomas L. Heeney:
My sincere thanks for the successful dismissal of my case last week. I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to be able to put my confidence in you, and to know that you were so well-prepared. I knew upon meeting with you the evening before that you had my interests at heart, and would be working hard to help me through this. And that you did! Rest assured, however, that there was a lesson learned, despite the outcome. ..."
In a subsequent offender DWI case, letter from the client to Thomas L. Heeney:
I also want to thank you for representing me in my cases, you're one hell of a lawyer and I would recommend you to anyone in need of an attorney.
In a DUI case, client letter to Thomas L. Heeney said:
Dear Mr. Heeney: Thank you very much for all of your kindness to me yesterday. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have you representing me!
In a Driving While Suspended case, letter from client to Thomas L. Heeney:
Tom: I wanted to extend my appreciation to you for your effort on my case last week. I appreciate you taking my case on with such short notice and for all of the work you did to ensure that the matters were taken care of. You are a true professional and although the situation was not a pleasant one, you put my mind at ease and I am forever grateful for your assistance....
In a falsification of motor vehicle tags case, letter from client to C. Sei-Hee Arii and Thomas L. Heeney:
There are no words enough to thank you for the brilliant presentation that you put on before (the judge) yesterday. Your words so resonated in the Judge's mind, and so moved his heart that he let me off scott free -- with no fines, no criminal record, no convictions. God bless you.
Dear Mr. Heeney: I wish you could have seen the brilliant presentation that Sei-Hee put on before (the judge). She overcame a hostile state's attorney and hostile police officer and won the day with such a powerful presentation. She won over (the judge) so powerfully that you cannot imagine. After her compelling presentation before him, the Judge was on our side and I thought that he was going to come down from the bench to shake my hand. Sei-Hee's words so resonated in the Judge's mind that I received no convictions, no fines, nor criminal record-- and the Judge was praising me! Thank you Mr. Heeney. Best Wishes.
In a DUI/DWI case, letter from client to C. Sei-Hee Arii:
I wish to thank you for your excellent representation of me in my recent court appearance. Your efforts were extremely professional in all regards and the outcome was highly favorable. Your preparation was thorough and your eloquent pleading of my case was well received by the court. It made the difference in what would otherwise have been a considerably less favorable result. Your efforts are much appreciated. Best wishes for a long and successful career.
In a DUI/DWI case, card from client to C. Sei-Hee Arii and Thomas L. Heeney:
Thank you! It's too often in this hustle and bustle of a world we forget these simple words. This card is just a small token of my gratitude and appreciation for all that you've both done for me over the last year. Also, please relay my gratitude to your staff. They have always been helpful when needed. Thanks again, and I hope to see you both soon.
In a Negligent Driving/Speeding traffic case, letter from the client to Thomas L. Heeney:
Just a quick note to thank you for helping me. I was very nervous and upset over this situation; nothing like this had ever happened to me. However, your confidence and professionalism was very comforting. It seemed I was not the only one impressed. A young lady approached me after the hearing to inquire about you. I gave her your name and number. I'm sure she will be as pleased as I. Thanks again.
In a DWI/MVA case, letter to Thomas L. Heeney from the client:
I appreciate the time, energy and enthusiasm you demonstrated representing me recently. Your name was highly recommended to me and I would confidently recommend it to another.
Criminal Cases:
Sentencing transcript excerpt from Judge in attempted murder case, before imposing a work relelase/home confinement split sentence:
JUDGE TISDALE: ... and it's interesting and I might say, as an aside, Mr. Heeney, I think I've never had such a well and thoroughly prepared sentencing memorandum. I want to tell you, Mr. (client), I read every page of it!
Letter to Thomas L. Heeney from physician parents of marijuana use dominated son who was acquitted by jury in Southern Maryland of felony Possession With Intent to Distribute:
Thanks so much for your professionalism, diligence, and intensity during ___'s (client) criminal case. We are pleased with the outcome.... Thanks again for everything!
Sentencing Transcript from Judge in Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland in manufacturing of marijuana case (growth vault):
JUDGE JOHNSON: I think I can safely say I have never received a more thorough, cogent, and complete Memorandum in Aid of Sentencing, and I can also say I have never received as many letters as character references on behalf of anybody that has appeared in this Court. The reason for that are two: one, you have a lawyer, Mr. Heeney, who doesn't begin preparation until he's prepared, and characteristically presents his cases in a fashion that this one has been presented. . .
Comments made by Judge Brian Kim in a bond modification hearing:
"Bond will be modified as follows (and) let me state the reasons... Mr. Heeney represents you, sir. That's a significant reason. Mr. Heene's word with this Court is in itself a bond...."
Letter to Thomas L. Heeney from attorney colleague, predecessor attorney, in serious spousal abuse assault case:
...Your tenacious work on the (client) case that secured such a fantastic result clearly demonstrated to me the fine art of defense work. I appreciate immensely your willingness to discuss with me your approach in that case and the details of the hearing. It was a tremendous experience for me to see how you worked that case to an acquittal.
In an Assault With Intent to Murder case, card from family of client to Thomas L. Heeney:
We are all very grateful of you, for the great defense you gave [our son]. You are the best lawyer a person could ever have. We could see that you really enjoy what you do as a lawyer which makes you the best and we felt you defended [our son] as if he was your own son. Thank you very much. (Note: Client is now applying to law school.)
In a Robbery case, instituted by a call girl, the relieved client's letter to Thomas L. Heeney said:
In all the action this past Friday I did not take the opportunity to thank you for your effort and expertise in helping me through this troubled time. You did an excellent job understanding the crux of this case and formulating an appropriate argument for defense. You have my deepest appreciation for this effort, and I will never forget this.
In a Robbery case, instituted by a call girl, the relieved client's letter to Thomas L. Heeney said:
In all the action this past Friday I did not take the opportunity to thank you for your effort and expertise in helping me through this troubled time. You did an excellent job understanding the crux of this case and formulating an appropriate argument for defense. You have my deepest appreciation for this effort, and I will never forget this.
Letter to Thomas L. Heeney from client, a single mother, caught up in a theft scheme:
I would like to thank you and your staff for taking time out in helping me to overcome the situation I was in. There are no words to explain how grateful I am to be able to be with my children everyday and continue on with my life.... I really thought I was going to lose it all. Thanks to your knowledge and expertise I am able to enjoy it all.... I look at my babies everyday now and think to myself, it's becuase of you that I am able to be here with them. Thank you so much for everything you have done, you will forever be in my prayers. God bless you and your staff!!
In a serious drug Possession With Intent to Distribute case, client letter to Thomas L. Heeney said:
I just wanted to take a brief moment of your time to let you know what a spectacular performance you displayed in the courtroom in my behalf ... I know from your past you've had countless performances in the courtroom that were near exemplary. I just wanted to tell you I was very pleased with the outcome.... It seemed you handled 3 or four matters at one time. The average lawyer would have done reconsideration in one phase and then the mental health and hygiene in another months and months apart. Well I just wanted to say thanks and keep up the good work or should I say great work! May Jehavoah God continue to bless your work.
In a Bank Robbery case, letter from client's mother to Thomas L. Heeney:
As this matter comes to a close, I would just like to take this opportunity to reemphasize how impressed we all have been with your representation, mainly in terms of your level of commitment, enthusiasm, professionalism, and the empathy with which you have exercised in dealing with this matter. In my initial discussion with [a colleague] about a referral, he said to me, "I would only recommend the best to you. Tom Heeney is the best I know." ...I admire your intuitiveness as a defense lawyer. I can only concur ... that you are "the best." Congratulations; and again, on behalf of my family and me, please accept our sincerest thanks for arduously working through this matter with us and bringing it to closure.
In a domestic violence case, card from a client to Thomas L. Heeney and C. Sei-Hee Arii:
... We are high proud to have you both as our attorneys. We are deeply impressed with your enthusiasm and empathetical attitude on every one of our cases.
In a Shoplifting case, card from client to C. Sei-Hee Arii and Thomas L. Heeney:
You take pride in your work... and it shows! Thanks for the great job you do. With love and best wishes.
Card from a client to Thomas L. Heeney in a misguided, racially based criminal prosecution:
Words can not explain how much I thank you for the wonderful work you performed with my case. Thanks a million times.
In a juvenile case, letter from client to C. Sei-Hee Arii:
Thank you for your assistance last week. We were pleased with the outcome and look forward to moving on and truly putting the past behind us.
In a juvenile case, letter from the client's mother to C. Sei-Hee Arii:
I am happy to enclose a copy of the Court Order terminating [client's] probation ... He is back in school and continuing to do well. We appreciate your support and counsel again during the past several weeks, and are glad to know that you are available to help us yet again should the need arise in the future.
In a Child Abuse case, letter from the client to Thomas L. Heeney:
I would like to once again thank you for your expertise. I would also like to thank your firm especially Cheryl for all the patience, understanding and helpfulness that they gave me.
Miscellaneous:
Letter from an attorney colleague to Thomas L. Heeney:
Proven winners such as you are highly successful no matter where they are located or with whom they are practicing. From representing dove hunters in corn fields to the victims of unstable drywall loads and defective dollies, our cases together have been intriguing, the results productive, and the professional enjoyment first cabin. If it is true that the past is prologue, then we will have a grand time of it in the legal vineyards of tomorrow.
Letter from Deputy Bar Counsel of the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission, who was opposing counsel in case involving Mr. Heeney's lawyer client:
It was indeed gratifying to receive the information about [client] and realize that, with your invaluable assistance, we were able to reach what I believe, even more so now, was a proper disposition. Your experience and invaluable advocacy assisted both your client and the system to reach what is now more obviously a proper and just disposition....
Letter from attorney colleague to Thomas L. Heeney:
Dear Tom: Thank you for your help in the (client) matter. It was truly a relief to know that I had your assistance which proved, as ever, to be superior.
Letter from Chief District Court Traffic Clerk to Thomas L. Heeney following his salute speech in honor of the Chief Clerk, Criminal Division:
Dear Tom: Thank you for all that you did to make the 35th anniversary party for Mary and Bonnie such a success. We all appreciate everything you have done for the Court over these many years. Thanks so much.
Letter to Thomas L. Heeney from the State's Attorney for Montgomery County:
Dear Tom: Thank you so, so much for sponsoring our event this year. I truly am profoundly grateful. It is particularly comforting to have the confidence of such a revered, legal icon. I hope all remains well with you. Thanks again!!
Letter from an attorney colleague to Thomas L. Heeney:
Just a quick note to express my deep gratitude for your effective representation and wise counsel. A lawyer's reputation is fundamental, and your excellent work in the case just dismissed was crucial for protecting mine. Again, many thanks!
Card from an attorney colleague to Thomas L. Heeney:
Many thanks for coming to the Criminal Law Meeting on February 17th. I learned a lot listening to your different experiences. Thank you for being a fine role-model for less experienced lawyers.
Card from an attorney friend and colleague to Thomas L. Heeney:
.....want to extend a heartfelt thank you to you for your hard work for us. We had an immediate sense of relief upon meeting with you. You are a fine attorney we can recommend without reservation. You are also a good friend.
Letter from the Chair of the Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission, of which Mr. Heeney was a long time member:
Now that we have concluded our term, I wanted to personally thank you for your long hours, hard work, and dedication on the Commission. We could always count on you to have done your research and homework. I greatly appreciate it.
Letter from a Judge endorsing Mr. Heeney's candidacy for the Trial courts Judicial Nominating Commission:
Please note from the attached letter that Tom Heeney is an election candidate to continue on the Trial Court Judicial Nominating Commission. I unreservedly endorse his candidacy. A former law clerk of mine, he is a seasoned, highly competent civil and criminal litigation attorney. He is thoroughly knowledgeable about the structure and procedures in our Maryland Courts. His professional and ethical reputations are superior. He is thoroughly committed to having a competent, industrious judiciary.
Letter from Senior Vice President, Producer/Booker and Producer/ Researcher of CNN to Thomas L. Heeney:
Dear Mr. Heeney: Thank you for appearing on CNN during our live coverage of the O.J. Simpson story. With your help, CNN is able to provide our audience with the latest information on an event that holds great viewer interest. As we continue reporting this story, we hope to talk with you again.
Washington Post Editorial, Page A-30:
THE DAY AFTER overcharging five Montgomery County teenagers as adults in an alleged gang rape of two 14-year-old girls, and three weeks before the air began sailing out of their case, County Police Maj. Carol Mehrling bragged: "We woke up a lot of kids." The police achieved more than that. The eyes of the public also were opened to official police behavior that seems to have strayed beyond the bounds within which serious juvenile cases are normally handled. Citizens have a right to be aroused by the way in which the authorities chose to handle this case. That the young men no longer face criminal charges with the potential for life sentences is to the credit of their attorneys. It was their investigative work that produced affidavits from 14 teenagers stating that the sexual activity was consensual. And it was that investigation that prompted the county state's attorney's office to take an independent second look. The probe by two assistant prosecutors invalidated the cops' case. The evidence was too weak to win an indictment, let alone stand up in a trial. So County State's Attorney Andrew L. Sonner dropped all charges. But the decision to dismiss the charges can't undo what happened. This police bungling has exposed all involved -- the young men, the young women and their families -- to potentially lifelong stigma and humiliation. If the case belonged anywhere, it was under the confidential laws of juvenile court. It is astonishing to see the ease with which an apparently cursory and sloppy police investigation could lead to juveniles being charged with crimes that could jail them for life without serious high-level review. Thomas Tamm, senior prosecutor, blames himself for not probing further before the police filed their charges. But police and prosecutors still are pointing fingers over who was responsible for charging those teenage defendants as adults for first-degree rape. Whoever made the call, the decision to make a public sensation of this case was callous. The authorities knew that first-degree rape charges allow the accused to be publicly identified. They also knew or should have known that the names and faces of the accused would end up splashed across newspapers and broadcast on TV and radio. Said Thomas Heeney (emphasis supplied), one of the defense attorneys, "These youngsters' legal rights were trampled on by the police, who sought to use them as instruments for its public relations value instead of steadfastly investigating the allegations fully prior to going forward with such serious charges." County authorities have much to answer for in the probes that surely will follow.
