A History of the Rammelkamp Bradney Law Firm
There were four Hutchens brothers in Illinois, and three of them practiced law — all remarkably well. Gilbert was in Carrollton, Julian in White Hall, and Norbert in Winchester. Between the three of them, it is estimated that they represented a third or more of the farm families in Scott and Greene Counties.
In Scott County cases, the judge began by asking prospective jurors if they knew any of the attorneys involved. When Norbert was trying the case, the judge would ask is there were jurors who didn't know Norbert. The judge would then ask if there were any whom Norbert hadn't represented. Given that, the judge would ask whether the jury would be fair and impartial. The jury members would smile and answer yes. Norbert knew many of the witnesses as well. Besides his knowledge of the community, Norbert was a master with the facts and the law, which made him a highly talented attorney.
