Molly Chronicles

Jim Simons presents a stirring vision of radical politics and movement law in Austin beginning in the late sixties. We see how historic cases played out within the context of complex personal issues which engender healing and celebration.

Susan Bright, poet.

It's a wonderful read, a great outing for the imagination and an invigorating trip back into yesteryear. I took inspiration and frequently experienced deep gratitude for the authorÕs setting all this down so fully and bravely. I laughed. I cried. As they say. But the bookÕs not a downer: it's inspiring, a clear-eyed, tough-minded account, full of life and determination to prevail.

Greg Olds, former editor, The Texas Observer; publisher, the Westlake Picayune; and contributor to countless publications in Texas and elsewhere.

Jim has captured the heady mix of joy and despair, triumph and tragedy, intense discipline and sheer abandon that enveloped all of us as we stormed through an unprecedented time in history. This is a valuable memoir for all generations.

David Zeiger, director, Sir! No Sir!, Oleo Strut Coffee House, 1970-72.

Jim Simons practiced law in Austin, Texas for 40 years, representing many movement activists, including anti-war GIs, during a colorful time in American history. Jim served as a counsel for members of the American Indian Movement who were arrested at Wounded Knee in 1974. He was one of those NLG and ACLU attorneys who inspired many to make a difference with their law license. His persistence to do good over profiting from law distinguishes a well-lived life that is too little recognized. After he retired he published his memoir, Molly Chronicles, in 2007. He continues to write articles on The Rag Blog, including an well written timeline of his legal history. http://www.theragblog.com/metro-jim-simons-the-50-year-lawyer-defying-the-systems-of-power/