EVERETT — Victor Haglund likens his 55-year law career to eating peanuts.
“You don’t stop. You feel there is something more to accomplish,” Haglund said. “I think I’ve done everything materially possible. If there was something more I could do, I would.”
Haglund, 79, is taking down his shingle this month. The Everett lawyer is ready to enjoy retirement.
The father of five plans to head to his home in Palm Springs, Calif., and put a few more miles on his red 1967 Ford Mustang convertible.
Haglund, the son of Finnish immigrants, grew up in a logging camp in southwest Washington. He graduated from Anacortes High School with honors. He attended Pacific Lutheran University and earned his law degree in 1952 from the University of Washington.
He worked in mills and on Alaskan fishing boats to earn tuition for college.
“I’m proud I paid my way through school,” said Haglund, a longtime member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Everett.
Haglund began practicing law in Everett in 1953. In those days, he handled anything from murders to land disputes. In recent years, he has specialized in property law, including landlord-tenant disputes.
Haglund has been a fixture at the Snohomish County Courthouse — a whistling fixture.
“He’s always whistling softly under his breath,” Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Richard Thorpe said.
Haglund seems to have handled a lot of cases for people who are financially disadvantaged, Thorpe said.
He’s helped a lot of people, fellow Everett attorney Bob Alexander said.
“He takes care of whoever needs to be taken care of and worries about getting paid later,” Alexander said.
Haglund and Alexander are part of a group of men, mainly local lawyers, who meet every morning at Karl’s Bakery on Wetmore Avenue.
“We argue over politics and talk shop,” Alexander said.
Haglund said he’s enjoyed being a lawyer.
“If you’re an attorney, you have the opportunity to be in the know,” he said. “You’re in on decisions and see how the world really runs.”
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
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