New Delhi: Bestselling author John Grisham explores the unique working style of rogue lawyer Sebastian Rudd in his new legal thriller.
In "Rogue Lawyer," Rudd deals with the Arch Swanger case.
Swanger is prime suspect in the abduction and murder of 21-year-old Jiliana Kemp. When Swanger asks Rudd to represent him, he lets Rudd in on a terrible secret - one that will threaten everything Rudd holds dear.
Rudd is not the typical street lawyer, he works out of a customised bulletproof van, complete with Wi-Fi, a bar, a small fridge, fine leather chairs, a hidden gun compartment, and a heavily armed driver.
He has no firm, no partners, no associates, and only one employee, his driver, who's also his bodyguard, law clerk, confidant, and golf caddy. He lives alone in a small but extremely safe penthouse apartment, and his primary piece of furniture is a vintage pool table. He drinks small-batch bourbon and carries a gun.
Rudd defends people other lawyers won't go near: a drug-addled, tattooed kid rumoured to be in a satanic cult, who is accused of molesting and murdering two little girls; a vicious crime lord on death row; a homeowner arrested for shooting at a SWAT team that mistakenly invaded his house.
He chooses these clients because he believes everyone is entitled to a fair trial, even if he, Rudd, has to cheat to secure one.
He hates injustice, doesn't like insurance companies, banks, or big corporations; he distrusts all levels of government and laughs at the justice system's notions of ethical behaviour.
Rudd is one of Grisham's most colourful, outrageous, and vividly drawn characters yet and "Rogue Lawyer," published by Hachette, showcases the master of the legal thriller at his very best.
Grisham himself practiced street law for 10 years before he decided to pursue writing and wanted to be a rogue lawyer though he was afraid to get his hands dirty.
He says though he once wrote wills and deeds and occasionally went to court, he never took the case of a defendant charged with a shocking crime.
"I never volunteered to help a guy on death row. I never borrowed money to go after a crooked company. I was afraid to get my hands dirty. Deep inside, though, I really wanted to be a rogue lawyer," he says.
(With agency inputs)
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