Review: The Best People: A Tale of Trials and Errors

Every profession has its share of "rotten apples," and the world of lawyers is certainly not immune. These are characters that may not precisely cross the line of unlawfulness, nonetheless, they think very little of committing shady acts that are unethical. Lying, bullying, and manipulation become their method of operation. Every so often, however, they venture too far, and the consequences are catastrophic and devastating.

Marc Grossberg sets his debut novel, The Best People: A Tale of Trials and Errors  in Houston, Texas where his central character, a thirty-six-year-old former cop and now an attorney, Paddy Moran has just been admitted to the Texas bar. To describe Paddy as a hustler would be an understatement. He believes that moving to Houston from Brooklyn was the right choice to set up a practice where he felt that he could make it big and where people who came with nothing can eventually become heavy-hitters. And that was his goal.

Paddy's first client, a former police colleague of his and his best friend, Jed, contacts him seeking legal advice following his wife's filing for divorce. He has also been kicked out of their home. Jed has not been a "good boy" and was caught fooling around with another woman.

After explaining to Jed the legal implications of a divorce and the possible claims his wife has over him, Paddy agrees to take on Jed's case without charging him other than his court costs and out-of-pocket expenses. Overcome with emotion, Jed thanks Paddy and promises to refer his police colleagues to him when they require legal assistance.

The first of Paddy's referrals turns out to be a godsend and a catalyst in moving Paddy's law practice forward. It doesn't take long for Paddy to accumulate at least three police divorce cases a month. All were uncontested and completed with a fixed fee. Not too bad for someone just starting out in practise.

In one instance, however, Paddy refuses to take on a case that involves a cop's wife, Pillar Galt, who had been roughed up by her husband, Ronnie. Paddy explains to Pillar that it wouldn't be in his best interests to entangle himself with a cop as he makes his living from taking on divorce cases from them, which, as he states in his Brooklyn accent, his "bread and buttah." He does refer her to another attorney. As we will learn, this will not be the last time that Paddy will bump into Pillar, which proves to be quite an interesting saga as it affects their respective lives in more ways than one.

Before long Paddy is off and running to becoming a hot-shot attorney in Houston, initially within the police community, and ultimately weaving its way into the broader community particularly among the well-to-do movers and shakers.

One such member that helps him break into this exclusive club is Margo Shear, who contacted Paddy, after being referred to him by Jed. Margo was the victim of serious carelessness on the part of a physician who neglected to follow instructions concerning her medical history when she was admitted to his hospital. With Paddy's intervention, Margo was able to attain a substantial settlement when both the physician and hospital were sued by Paddy. After his success with Margot's case, the word got out that Paddy was the "go to" attorney when you needed someone who was a street fighter and not afraid to take on anyone including attorneys from "white shoe" law firms.

Along the way to his fame and fortune, Paddy hooks up with another lawyer, Will Marshall, whose pedigree, temperament and style, is the complete opposite of his. Yet, Will loved money, and his partnership with Paddy enabled him to enjoy a lifestyle which both he and his wife believed were entitled.

Slowly tantalizing, this well-crafted debut novel transports readers into fascinating excursions in the rough and tumble world of trial litigation, particularly divorce lawsuits where the stakes can be very high. Lawyers practicing this branch of law sometimes require expertise in areas they don't teach you in law school. They not only must know their law but also be very creative. They will stop at nothing and take no prisoners. What counts is winning at any cost. However, when greed becomes reckless, and creativity becomes crooked, we have a problem.

Practicing law for over fifty years in his native Houston, Grunberg, who describes himself as "an observer and listener," confirms a golden ear for capturing the tones of the nasty culture that engulfs some law firms. His writing is spare and intense, and like flowing water, the novel keeps moving with a story that is entertaining but at the same time troublesome. As for the principal character, Paddy here we have someone who is at times unprincipled, yet you have to admit that he does "make things" happen with his crafty schemes.

Follow Here To Read Norm's  Interview With Marc Grossberg Author of The Best People: A Tale of Trials and Errors