I’m not looking for arrangements, the young man said. His voice was quiet, raspy, but clear. Judge Halloway slammed his gavel. Young man, remove that hood in my courtroom immediately, and explain why you are interrupting these proceedings before I have you thrown in a holding cell for contempt. The young man reached up and pulled the hood back. He had short-cropped hair and weary eyes, dark circles underneath them, as if he hadn’t slept in a week.
He looked at the judge, then at Richard Sterling. I apologize for the attire, your honor, he said. He walked around the bailiff, who looked too confused to stop him, and placed his battered satchel on the defendant’s table. My suit is at the cleaners. I didn’t expect the hearing to be moved up two hours without proper notice.
Richard Sterling let out a loud, incredulous laugh. Excuse me, who do you think you are? The young man turned to Richard. For a second, the thug persona vanished. His posture straightened, his chin lifted. I am Julian Banks, he said. I am the grandson of Lucille Banks, and I am the counsel of record for the defense. Silence. Absolute heavy silence filled the room. Then Richard Sterling started laughing again.
It was a cruel, patronizing sound that echoed off the mahogany walls. Counsel of record? Richard mocked, turning to the gallery where a few junior associates were watching. Your honor, this is absurd. This is clearly a delay tactic. The grandson? Does he even have a law degree, or did he watch a few episodes of Law and Order?
Judge Halloway looked over his spectacles, his face red with irritation. He felt disrespected. In his court, lawyers wore Brooks Brothers, not Fruit of the Loom. Mr. Banks, the judge said, his voice dripping with condescension.
This is a court of law, not a community center meeting. You cannot simply walk in here and declare yourself counsel. Unless you are a licensed attorney admitted to the state bar, you are engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, which is a crime. Now step back from the table. Julian didn’t move. He opened his leather satchel and pulled out a single crisp piece of paper.
