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.
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.
