The Summer Associate

Abstract

This short story illustrates the nettlesome line-drawing that goes on constantly in the law and that can be a trap for the unwary. It is one of high hopes and expectations from an eager law student pitted against the memories of a distant, aloof attorney. Griswold is an attorney caring more about work than human interaction and using his windowless office to avoid contact with his fellow man (and woman). The world is pierced by a summer associate who brings back the memories of war and love that he cannot escape. At the same time he must focus on the client for whom they both work. Will he disserve the client? Violate his ethical duties? Or harm the summer associate?

This story is a continuation of a series derived from the author’s experiences teaching English and helping in the administration of a social welfare project in South Viet Nam in the early seventies, before embarking upon the study of law, the practice of law, and ultimately the teaching of law.