It was as Alex was walking away that he was approached by a dignified, sixty-something grey-haired man, who stiffly proffered his business card to Alex, by way of introduction.
“I’m Arthur Webster of Levine and Webster.”
“How do you do, Mr. Webster,” said Alex, tensely. “What can I do for you?”
“Let’s walk,” said Webster, indicating with his hand to the side exit from the court building. Alex was happy to comply, but felt alienated by the man’s manner, that appeared to straddle the fence between embarrassment and condescending arrogance.
“I should explain that we’re a local law firm, based in Los Angeles. We’re retained by the network that broadcasts Mr. Claymore’s show and we work extensively with SoCal Insurance where Mr. Claymore carries his liability insurance.”
“I’ve heard of you,” said Alex.
Webster seemed please by this.
“The reason I wanted to talk to you is because I understand that you’re actually based in San Francisco.”
“What of it?”
“Well Claymore’s insurance policy with SoCal Insurance includes
“And you want…”
“We’d like you to step aside as attorney of record and let us represent Claymore.”
Friday, 12 June 2009 — 15:40
“You can represent him if there’s a parallel civil case. But
Alex was seated with the partners of Levine and Webster around the long oval rosewood table in the main conference room. Also present was Paul Sherman. The atmosphere had been tense even before Alex spoke. Now the tension had been ratcheted up to a new level.
“The policy covers everything — civil
“And if he’s found guilty, the insurance company’s going to send one of its directors to take his place in prison?”
“I mean it covers legal
“What they
“Well in that case, he may have to pay you out of his own pocket. We are the designated law firm in the policy.”
Alex had kept his calm when Webster had first approached him and had agreed to this meeting “without prejudice.” But he was getting irritated now.
“I think Mr. Claymore is more than capable of paying my fees. And I’m more than capable of working pro- bono if necessary.”
“Oh come on Mr. Sedaka, you’re a one-man band. We’re a large law firm. We’ve got dozens of lawyers and a network of experts and other contacts that you can only dream about.”
“I’m not disputing your size, but that’s not necessarily an advantage. If the accused marches into court with an army of lawyers, that can actually count
“There’s also the logistical aspect. You’re up there in the Bay, we’re down here in the Basin. Ventura’s in our backyard. What are you going to do? Commute down from San Fran every day?”
“You seem to be assuming that the trial is going to stay in Ventura.”
“Are you going to move for a change of venue?” asked Sherman.
“I might. It certainly wouldn’t hurt if we could get it transferred to a county with better demographics.”
“I thought you wanted a speedy trial,” said Webster. “A change of venue motion will give them a pretext for a delay.”
“Also we’re in a better position than you when it comes to a change of venue,” added Sherman.
Alex’s ears pricked up at this.
“How so?”
“We’ve got a whole department for demographic analysis. And we work with LawData.”
LawData was a firm that provided support for law firms, including public opinion research and computer- based demographic analysis.
Alex thought about this for a moment.
“You may have a point. But it’s not for me to decide. It’s Claymore’s call. I’m his lawyer and I’m here for him as long as he wants me.”
“But you could talk to him,” said Webster, “convince him.”
“I’m not even going to
Arthur Webster leaned forward, like he was about to speak again. But a frail-looking man, who must have been pushing eighty, held up his hand to silence him. This was Aaron Levine, the senior partner in this firm. Webster slumped back into his seat and left it to his lifelong friend to address Alex.
“Could I ask you a question, Mr. Sedaka? Please don’t take this the wrong way, but is it a matter of professional pride? Because if so you needn’t worry. Your reputation precedes you. We all remember your remarkable achievement in the Sanchez case.”
The obsequious flattery was more irritating than the arrogance.
“It has nothing to do with professional pride. But I’m not just Elias Claymore’s lawyer: I’m also his
“Isn’t that all the more reason to step aside. A doctor wouldn’t treat a family member.”
Alex smiled at this. Levine was a playing the soft cop — a man of gentle persuation rather than blustering aggression. But Webster leaned forward again, unable to contain himself any longer.
“Just remember one thing Mr. Sedaka:
“Then let’s
This silenced them — Webster and the others — for a few seconds.
“What do you mean?”
Levine again. He was the only man in the room with the gravitas to break the silence, or the moral courage to meet Alex’s eyes.
“I’m offering you second seat.”
Webster’s intensity flared up again.
“We’re not
Again Levine’s hand silenced his partner.
“Could you elaborate?”
“Yes. Let’s work on this case together, with me as point man and your formidable resources to back me up. You pick your best man — or woman — to take second seat to report back to you.”
“But you lead?” said Levine, half-question, half-statement.
“I take first seat,” Alex confirmed in a tone of finality that made it clear that this position was not open to debate.
A cheerful smile graced Aaron Levine’s face, changing the mood for almost everyone.
“I think we can live with that,” he said, looking at Webster in a way that demanded his agreement. Webster nodded, his face taut to maintain its neutrality.
