State bar number 99 AU 401, Julian recited from memory, not looking at the paper. Admitted to practice in the superior courts, the court of appeals, and the state supreme court as of six months ago. He slid the paper across the polished wood toward the clerk.
The clerk, a middle-aged woman named Brenda, picked it up hesitantly. She typed the number into her terminal. Her eyes widened slightly. She looked up at the judge and nodded. It’s active, your honor. Julian Tobias Banks. Good standing.
Richard Sterling stopped laughing. He frowned, looking Julian up and down. A lawyer? This kid? He looks like he should be serving Richard coffee, not serving him motions. Affirmative action case, Richard thought immediately. Probably went to some online law school.
Fine, Judge Halloway grunted, clearly disappointed he couldn’t have Julian arrested. So, you passed the bar. Congratulations. That doesn’t excuse your disrespect for this institution. You are improperly dressed.
Local rule 4.2 states that counsel must be dressed in professional business attire, Julian said calmly. However, the urgency of the plaintiff’s ex parte motion to expedite this hearing, which was filed at 4:50 p.m. yesterday, made it impossible for me to retrieve my court attire before the 8:00 a.m. start time, unless the court prefers to grant a continuance so I can change. Julian looked at the judge. It was a dare. Delay the case or let me stay.
Halloway knew Sterling wanted this done today. Motion for continuance denied, the judge snapped. We are proceeding. But consider yourself warned, Mr. Banks. One step out of line, one breach of protocol, and I will have you removed. Understood, your honor. Julian sat down. He looked small behind the large oak table.
Richard Sterling buttoned his jacket and walked to the podium. He decided to crush the kid immediately. No mercy. Your honor, Richard began, his voice booming. This case is simple. The defendant, Lucille Banks, does not own the land in question. We have submitted a title search dating back 40 years showing a break in the chain of ownership. The land belongs to the city which sold it to my client. Ms. Banks is a squatter, a trespasser.
