Attorney Lamar D. Moreland has seen some gruesome sights — and in some cases just the description is too graphic for print. But he is surprisingly upbeat and optimistic given the nature of his job as assistant attorney general for the state of Michigan. Moreland’s extensive experience as a prosecutor at the Wayne County prosecutor’s office in homicide and non-fatal shooting cases, lend to his special expertise and ability to win violent crime cases and he has several high-profile wins to his credit. Given the nature of the work, I expected a somber, maybe even sullen voice to come from the person on the other end of my wireless phone. Instead, I got a surprisingly exuberant and at times even jovial Moreland who answered the phone with “Hey, AG’s office.” And then it was on.
What have been the key elements in your success?
I was fortunate to have been raised in a good family and I was fortunate to have bumped into good people who supported me.
I say I was fortunate because I don’t think it’s that I’m smarter or that I work harder than everyone else. I know people that have worked extremely hard all of their lives and are very smart, but for any number of reasons didn’t succeed.
How do you define success?
What I do try and do is create a level of comfort and security for me and my family. To me anyone who is able to raise a good family is successful. I’m really committed and focused on my family. Being a father and being a husband is what I am supposed to do.
Did you have a mentor(s)?
Yes, my father and my mother … they were great mentors. they taught me what it was to work hard, and to be diligent and committed and not give up.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Get the job done and forget the excuses — that’s what my father taught me.
What’s next for you?
Like I said, I’ve really been fortunate all of my life in that I [am] prepared for opportunities that come my way.
How do you unwind at the end of a busy day?
I come home and literally play with the kids. … I get my energy from them and that’s what makes me happy — my family. That’s what life is all about for me — my family.
Favorite Movie …
Nothing But a Man. It was painful to watch, but it was so real.
Favorite book …
The Invisible Man. I read it 30 years ago, but it stayed with me … it still rings true, and that amazes me. Ask Barack Obama, he’ll tell you.
