8
VIEWS.
VIEWS.
I met recently a young lawyer from the western part of the state who was congratulating himself on several victories he had won over a powerful corporation in the lower courts, and on his prospect of continuing the conflict successfully before the supreme court.
He was not a handsome man, but he had wicked black eyes, and that projecting and compressed under lip that characterizes the bulldog and the determined barrister. It is a lip that terrifies juries, and even judges, and makes opponents feel in their hearts like brazen thieves. He had practical ideas of his business—had already learned the lesson of specializing—and had determined to let general practice alone while devoting himself to damage suits. Consequently he was already beginning to feel strong on his feet and to fear no ordinary foe in this line.
I was much interested as he described to me his methods of taking up and carrying on a suit, and made bold by his frankness I ventured to remark that his fees—one-half of the proceeds—were not at all modest. "Why,'" said he, "If I am what I intend to be, and what I think I am, it's a question of one-half or nothing with my client."
“Mr. ——，” said I, “if you continue successful in this line—if you continue to beat the Company—you will soon cease to do so, for they will rob you—they will not endure an opponent who always beats them—and you will be on the other side.”
My friend was not slow to confess that exactly such a consummation was what he much desired, as he considered a steady salary of $2,000 to $3,000 better than the uncertain and irregular fee he got from his damage clients.
"Just as sure," I said. "as you demonstrate yourself superior to the other attorneys in your county, so sure will you find yourself the employee of this Company."
"I know that, sir," he replied, "and you may be sure I shall not refuse a good offer."
I then suggested that in case, after a time, a smarter young man, with a more determined under lip, turned np in county, who should win damage suits against my friend as he himself was now doing, then again this young man in his turn would be "gathered in" by the company, and my friend would have to step aside.
"Yes," he admitted, as though the supposition was rather improbable, "I suppose that would be the way of it."
"Perhaps I have no business to ask this question," I continued; "but it is right, is it, that your present clients should get damages? Their claims are right?"
"Yes, of course."
"Now, Mr. ——," I said, what troubles me in this performance is this: when things have gone as you wish and you have won the position you desire, you will then be on the other side, and at the same time there will be no one who can cope with you; these people's claims are just; what is to become of their rights?"
"Oh! some other man will turn up, as you suggested, who will be able to lamm me."
"Yes, and as soon as he shows himself able to do so he will take your place."
"Well, I can't answer for that matter; my business is to fight for my clients."
That was the answer for the profession. But I would like to have some great lawyer answer that question next commencement, when he gives his advice to the graduating lawyers. * * *