When the Massachusetts Bar Association purchased its home at 20
West Street in 1994, after renting it for the previous 10 years,
the MBA got more than just a great building all to its own. It also
got Bill Devine.
Devine has been the building manager at 20 West Street for each
of 20 years the MBA has owned its West Street headquarters, plus
the five years before, when he worked directly for the management
company that served as the MBA's former landlord. What's
interesting is that a job that has lasted a quarter century
initially began as something that was only expected to last about
half a month.
When he first started at 20 West Street, Devine was just filling
in for "two weeks" because the guy who was supposed to be the
building manager was on vacation. After two weeks turned into
three, and three turned into five, Devine realized the job was more
permanent; his predecessor had quit.
In retrospect, this turn of events was the MBA's good fortune.
Devine has served as a steady presence, ensuring that the day to
day operations at the MBA go off without a hitch.
Of course, over the years, Devine has seen his fair share of
wacky happenings, as well.
One day, Devine remembers, he received a call in the early hours
of the morning that someone had thrown a barrel through the front
window of the MBA. When he arrived on scene the police had a
suspect in custody, but the events of the morning were only
beginning. It turns out that the suspect was not a fan of lawyers
and, in addition to shattering the glass, placed a young pot
bellied pig inside the office. After a few hours of the pig being
chased around, normalcy was restored.
This is just one story that fits into the narrative Devine
describes as, "No day is a typical day for me here." What is
typical is the professional and friendly approach that he continues
to bring to 20 West Street, day in and day out.
"Bill Devine is an invaluable long-term member of the MBA's
team," says MBA Chief Legal Counsel Martin W. Healy, who has known
him since the MBA moved to West Street. "Bill's considerable skills
make the building and operations of the MBA appear seamless. He is
always willing to pitch in to make the organization a better
environment and enjoys working with our many members and great team
of staff."