Page 9 of Maddy's Justice

“We reached a decision and would like you to represent us,” Gavin Blake told them.

They were back in their chairs around Melanie’s office table.

“Who’s us?” Marc asked. “Who is our client? The firm, Troy McGovern, who?”

“The firm’s interest comes first,” Gavin replied. “But the firm’s interest and the individual or individuals involved have the same interest.”

“For now,” Marc said.

“The first thing we’re going to do,” Connie said, “is get signatures on retainer agreements. Marc and I have an office sharing arrangement. We are not partners. So, we’ll need separate retainers,” she continued as she removed prepared representation agreements from her satchel.

“When…” Marc started to ask when it was that she drafted the retainers.

“Don’t ask,” Connie told him.

“Ten thousand dollars each,” Connie began. “We bill separately at four hundred fifty dollars per hour. We will bill at the end of each month payable within thirty days. If it is not paid within thirty days, there will be an additional ten percent monthly charge.

“If this goes to trial, we will each charge five thousand per day for each day we make a court appearance once jury selection begins.”

“Sounds reasonable,” Spenser said.

“Sounds outrageous,” Stafford proclaimed.

“Sounds exactly like what you guys charge,” Connie said.

“It is,” Spenser agreed.

As managing partner, Gavin Blake signed on behalf of Stafford, Hughes. Before the ink was dry, Marc was thinking of ways to pad his bill the same way firms like this always do.

“One last thing,” Marc said. “We will report to one person and one person only. That person shall have full authority to unilaterally make decisions on behalf of Stafford, Hughes et. al. LLC. I don’t do litigation by committee.”

“Fine,” Brandon Stafford quickly said, “That person will be me.”

“Not a chance,” Marc said. “That person will be Melanie Stewart. She will draft a document spelling this out and you three will sign it. Along with any other partners whom she decides need to sign.

“I’m not trying to be a hardass here,” Marc said. “It will simply be much more efficient.”

“I agree,” Cliff Spenser said. “The political atmosphere these days is filled with this. Marc’s way will be more efficient. If we’re going to hire outside counsel, then we give them a free hand to do their job.”

“Before we leave, I’d like to meet the object of the complaint, Troy McGovern,” Marc said.

“If he’s here,” Melanie replied. She went to her desk and dialed her office phone. It was answered and the others heard her ask, “Is he in?” There was a pause then she said, “Ask him to come to my office. It’s very important.” Another pause then, “Thank you, Susan.”

“It won’t take long. He knows about this, I assume,” Marc said.

“Yes,” Spenser answered. “I gave him a copy of the complaint yesterday. He got angry, cussed up a storm then denied it.”

“He has a temper?” Connie asked.

“Does he know about us, that you were looking to hire outside counsel?” Marc also asked.

“Yes, to both questions,” Melanie replied. “He has a temper and he knows about you.”

There was a sharp, single knock on the door and Troy McGovern walked in.

FOUR

“So, what do you think?” Connie asked.

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