Free The Washington Lawyer by Allan Topol Page A

then shoved the cigar into his mouth.
    â€œLet’s talk about some of the practical problems,” Michael said. “Assuming that you leave.”
    The commercial lawyer, Martin thought, ready to raise business issues.
    â€œWe have to face the fact,” Michael continued, “that we’ll lose some clients. Lortech and Aero, for starters. And lots of others.”
    â€œThat does not have to happen. It’ll take hands-on attention. But if we designate committed partners to follow-up with each client, we should be okay.”
    â€œI think that’s right,” Tom said, tugging on his ear. “We’ll have to select individuals to be the contacts with each one.”
    Martin said, “I’ll draw up a client list and designate each one’s new firm contact.”
    Jenson stopped chomping on his cigar. “You can do that to get the process started, Andrew, but ultimately, the rest of us will have to decide who becomes the primary contact. We’ll be here.”
    â€œThat’s correct,” Martin said.
    â€œAlright,” Jenson said, taking charge. “We now have a process for the client transition issue. First, Andrew draws up his proposed list. Then the four of us make the final decisions. Is everyone in agreement with that?”
    The others nodded.
    Jenson continued. “Now, next issue. Andrew, under the partnership agreement, you have an unfunded pension for life based on your last five years’ income. So that’s set. What about your recusal in cases involving firm lawyers?”
    â€œI’ll disqualify myself from any case involving a firm lawyer. Ethically, I think that’s the way to go.”
    â€œI agree,” Meg said.
    â€œAre we finished then?” Martin asked.
    â€œI have something else,” Jenson said.
    â€œSure. What?”
    â€œFYI, I’ve been working on the Attorney General of California. And it’s paid off. We’ve been retained for the first of what I expect will be many cases. This involves a conflict with Nevada over water rights.”
    â€œThat’s great,” Michael said. “If it’s half as successful as Andrew’s work for New York, we should earn a bundle.”
    â€œAgreed. I’m going all out. Paul Maltoni’s helping me draft California’s Supreme Court brief.”
    Martin was startled. Paul, he thought, was working for him on the Global Media FCC case. He considered telling Jenson he was wrong. But his pleasure in that would only make problems for Paul. The Global Media case was damn important. He hoped to hell Paul knew what he was doing.
    Martin gathered up his papers and left. Though his knee was bothering him, he sucked up the pain and went for a walk along the mall. A stiff breeze was blowing. The temperature plunging.
    â€œHot chocolate?” a vendor asked. A couple of joggers passed.
    After the management committee meeting, he was now more than ever longing to be chief justice. He loved being a lawyer, but he was ready for a change. Ready to move on to something new and exciting.
    Meantime, he was still at the firm. He had to deal with the Global Media case. If I stay, I want to win that one, he thought. Before returning to the office, he stopped for a cappuccino at a small café.
    Back in the office, he saw Meg sitting next to his secretary’s desk.
    â€œThe brethren sent me as their representative. We’re all sorry that we got a little carried away discussing practical issues. We want you to know how proud and pleased we are for you. We really hope you get it.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear you say that. We’ve been together a long time.”
    â€œAnd we genuinely do appreciate all you’ve done for us.”
    * * *
    Xiang had run cross-country at Carnegie Mellon. He looked like a runner as he walked into his kitchen at 4:15 in the morning, dressed in running shorts, a plain gray sweatshirt to brace against the thirty degree