Former attorney Ron Liebman's third novel (after Jersey Law) delves into the dirty dealings of giant American law firms. Big Law introduces Carney Blake, a junior partner at the behemoth New York firm Dunn & Sullivan.
Dunn & Sullivan typically defends corporations, many of which have questionable business practices, but Carl Smith, the firm's chairman, has asked Carney to take the lead on a plaintiff's class-action lawsuit. Flattered that he's been given this level of responsibility as a young partner, he sets aside his misgivings about the peculiarity of the case and gets to work. Carney may be young, but he's also smart and determined. He has the qualities that his highly respected and experienced opposing counsel recommends:
"...lawyering was made up of a mix of ingredients. Like a potent drink. Understanding the law, knowing how to use the law, how to argue it when necessary--all were part of the mix. So were assertiveness, aggression, creativity. Put all that into a cocktail shaker. Add a splash of deviousness. Shake and pour."
So when Smith's behavior toward Carney and the case starts raising red flags and the defendant serves Carney with a personal lawsuit, he makes it his mission to uncover the truth, if for no other reason than to save his career.
Big Law should appeal to fans of John Grisham and Michael Connelly's legal thrillers. It's smart and complex, with authentically flawed characters. Liebman develops a convincing plot, pulling his readers into the legal world without bogging down the momentum with a lot of industry jargon. The verdict is in on Big Law, and it's a winner. --Jen Forbus, freelancer