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The California legal community has long looked to Bernie Witkin and the Witkin Legal Institute for incisive analysis. Now, web surfers can relish a good backbeat as well, in the form of a rock requiem to the Golden State’s most celebrated legal scholar. The tune, "Bernie's Song", although not commissioned by West Group, was written and recorded by The Citations, a San Francisco quartet of current and former West Group employees.

“As far as we know, this is the only rock song ever written in honor of a legal scholar,” said Michael Christensen, bass player and West Group librarian. “It started with a solid rhythm line, and just evolved from there. Bernie’s life and achievements certainly provided us with rich fodder to work from lyrically.”

Although elated with the response they've received since the release of “Bernie's Song”, no band members are contemplating a career shift at this time. However, “If the State Bar Convention Committee calls,” said California Official Reports editor and guitarist Jody Pollak, “we might be available.”

To hear the song, click on one of the links below:

• 28.8k RealAudio File (streamed audio for a connection speed of 28.8k)
• 56k RealAudio File (streamed audio for connection speeds of 56k or faster)
• MP3 Audio File (Download 3.8 megabyte audio file in MP3 format)
• If you do not have the Real Player, you can download the software from http://www.real.com.
• If you do not have an MP3 player, you can download the software from http://www.mp3.com.