Page 38 of Client Privilege

“Don’t insult my intelligence.” Montgomery’s voice remained even, but his eyes hardened. “Two hundred and seventeen hours, Damian. That’s what you’ve personally devoted to this… domestic dispute. Hours that should have gone to Halston.”

“Domestic abuse,” I corrected. “Not a dispute.”

Montgomery waved dismissively. “Whatever you want to call it. The point remains—you’ve diverted significant resources from paying clients to pursue a vendetta against Marcus Delaney.”

“It’s not a vendetta. It’s a legitimate case with substantial evidence.”

“Evidence.” He practically spat the word. “Do you have any idea who Marcus Delaney is in this city? He sits on the hospital board with me. The Arts Council with Caroline.”

I leaned forward slightly. “I’m well aware of his connections.”

“Are you?” Montgomery opened another folder. “Three clients have expressed ‘concerns’ about your availability. Westbrook Industries is considering moving their business to Blake’s. The Sutherland Group has requested another partner handle their upcoming merger.”

I absorbed this without visible reaction, though the information stung. These were clients I’d cultivated for years.

“And Judge Patterson?” I asked. “Is he also expressing ‘concerns’?”

Montgomery’s eyes narrowed. “What are you implying?”

“Nothing you don’t already know. Patterson’s bias was obvious from the beginning. I wonder if that has anything to do with him being yourbrother-in-law.”

A flash of anger crossed Montgomery’s face. “Watch yourself, Damian. Your name may be on the letterhead, but partnership agreements can be restructured.”

“Is that a threat, Lawrence?”

“It’s reality. The firm’s executive committee is questioning your judgment. This obsession with Delaney’s boy toy—”

I stood abruptly, my chair scraping against the hardwood floor. “Choose your next words very carefully.”

Montgomery held my gaze, then seemed to reconsider. He sighed, leaning back. “This isn’t about Delaney. Not really. It’s about stability. Predictability. The firm can’t function if partners pursue personal vendettas.”

“Is that what you think this is?”

“What else could it be? You’ve never devoted this kind of time to pro-bono work before.”

I remained standing, using the height advantage to shift the power dynamic. “You’re right about one thing, Lawrence. This isn’t just another case.”

“Finally, some honesty.”

“But not for the reasons you think.” I began pacing slowly before his desk. “What’s the most valuable currency in our profession? Beyond billable hours and retainers?”

Montgomery frowned. “Get to the point.”

“Reputation.” I stopped, resting my hands on the back of the chair. “Richards, Blackwell & Montgomery has a sterling reputation for corporate law. We’re known for aggressive negotiation, meticulous contracts, and winning at all costs.”

“Precisely. A reputation we’ve spent decades building.”

“And one that brings in certain types of clients. But what about the clients who want more than just a shark in a suit? The ones who careabout ethics and social responsibility?”

Montgomery scoffed. “Those clients don’t have our kind of money.”

“The Rosenthal Foundation does. So does Green Future Investments. And Westmount Capital.” I named three potential clients the firm had been pursuing unsuccessfully. “All of whom have expressed concerns about our firm’s commitment to social justice.”

I could see the calculations happening behind Montgomery’s eyes. He was nothing if not pragmatic when it came to profit.

“You think this Lajeunesse case will attract that kind of client?”

“I know it will. The publicity from this case isn’t a liability—it’s an opportunity. We’ll be known as the firm that stood up to wealth and privilege when it was abused. The firm that believes in justice regardless of who’s on the other side.”

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