Friday, November 12, 2021

Our friend Fletcher Peacock

By Michael Caruso 

Our friend and colleague Fletcher Peacock has passed away. Sadly, we all have far too many reminders that life is fragile and fleeting. But this is a real gut punch. The lesson we should take and rarely do, but that Fletcher exemplified, is not to waste a moment and embrace life completely. And to Fletcher, that meant treasuring each other, whether family, friends, or colleagues.

I first met Fletcher while clerking and had the privilege to see him in action defending his clients that came before Judge Zloch. His commitment to his clients and his zealous advocacy stood out and cemented my desire to join the office.

When I first started at the FPD, I tried my first case as "lead counsel" with Fletcher by my side. Before trial, we had decided that Fletcher would direct our client. But, that morning, a critical defense witness who lived in Delray Beach--and who was going to testify after our client--had no way to get to court. Fletcher said he would get her, and I would put our client on the stand. Fletcher surely saw the look of terror that overcame me at this suggestion. But, he explained that this was best for our client and the case, and I was ready. Of course, he was half-right. I always will remember his willingness to do--without hesitation--what was best for the client and his confidence in me. 

For most of his time in Miami, Fletcher had the office next to our boss--now Judge Kathleen Williams. It was a testament to Fletcher's personality and friendship (and not the box of Goldfish he always had at the read) that his office routinely overflowed with colleagues for brainstorming or other less lawyerly exchanges. In most offices, the person who occupies the office next to the boss is quite lonely. Not Fletcher.

After Fletcher left to become the FPD in the Middle District, running into him at a conference or seminar was a highlight. He always was a welcome face, whether we would talk family, trade war stories, or celebrate/lament the Gators. Sitting next to Fletcher at these events was a prime spot because you not only obtained his insight as a seasoned lawyer and manager, but you also laughed yourself silly at his dry wit.

We were very, very fortunate to have Fletcher come back to our office. Although older, he was still the same committed and zealous advocate, but more importantly, the same friend. Rest in peace, Fletcher. 



6 comments:

Henry Bell said...

Thanks for sharing this Michael. Many of us have fond memories of Fletcher. When I arrived at the FPD's office, he was assigned to mentor me. He was fun and funny. It was a privilege to follow Fletcher around as his mentee. He always went out of his way to introduce young lawyers to the judges, defense lawyers and prosecutors. In my case, he always made me sound smarter, nicer and like a better lawyer than I actually was. He handled himself with such ease in court and with other lawyers. I remember I was scared and uptight when in court. Fletcher was as comfortable as he might have been in his living room. He was an excellent advocate for his clients and a friend to many. May he rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful ... Rest in peace Fletcher

Anonymous said...

Sad to hear of Fletcher's passing. What a good guy, with a great, albeit wry, sense of humor. He was a standup guy. What he said was his bond. Rest in peace Fletcher.

Anonymous said...

What was his cause of death?

Jeff Sloman said...

What a gut punch. Fletcher evokes so many memories for me from the '90s in the Fort Lauderdale Federal Courthouse. I can see him in my mind's eye along with AFPDs Bob Berube, Marty Bidwell, Pat Hunt, Dave Bannon, and Robin Farnsworth. Everyone of Fletcher's clients got a million dollar defense. RIP Fletcher.

David said...

Fletcher was my attorney. He fought hard for me and got my sentence reduced from 15 yrs ACCA to 5 yrs 10 mos. I love that guy. I wanted to give him a good bottle of scotch to show my appreciation. But now that he’s gone does anybody know where he is buried? I want to visit him and express my gratitude for all he’s done for me and my family. My email is: laneskidavid@gmail.com plz let me know where I can pay my respects.