Law America, the Devil's Agent

"Curtis Law Firm has been established for almost forty years."

For forty years, we have been a mid-sized law firm specializing in commercial litigation and family law, with a good reputation in the Philadelphia legal community, but that's about it.

The Philadelphia Big Five law firms are called the Big Five because their business structure, talent pool, and brand influence are all a level above ours.

The gap between us and them cannot be changed by winning or losing a case, but the establishment of a department can.

I hereby announce the formal establishment of the Criminal Defense and Public Interest Litigation Department at Curtis Law Firm.

This department will have independent case screening authority, greater budgetary autonomy, and the authority to prioritize the allocation of talent resources from within the law firm.

Its target clients will be high-net-worth individuals, cross-regional criminal cases, and public interest litigation with significant public impact.

The Minister is represented by partner Dylan McLean, and the Deputy Minister is represented by attorney Link.

"Clap clap clap—"

There was a moment of silence in the conference room, then applause broke out.

Criminal Defense and Public Interest Litigation Department:

Independent case screening authority, greater budgetary autonomy, and priority in allocating talent.

This means that the new department will hold a higher status within Curtiss than any existing lead practice group, second only to the three partners themselves.

Dylan McLean already had his own federal litigation cases to handle, so he couldn't devote all his energy to the day-to-day management of the new department.

The deputy minister is the actual person in charge of day-to-day operations. All the group leaders present understand this.

Link leaned slightly forward from the end of the conference table, nodded in the direction of Quint Curtis and Dylan McKellen, then stood up and said briefly:

"Thank you all for your trust."

He didn't express much emotion, but simply sat down again and placed his hands folded on the table.

He remained calm and composed, showing no signs of being overwhelmed by praise or criticism.

His expression was calm, but Herman Brookes, sitting opposite him, could tell that the young man was maintaining that calmness at just the right degree.

The other team leaders nodded in approval, and everyone's opinion of him rose to a new level.

The meeting ended, and the group leaders left one after another.

As Link walked out of the conference room, Dylan McKellen caught up from behind, walking quickly with a stack of documents in his hand, looking like he was about to rush to another meeting.

Link.

  

He called Link over, speaking even faster than when he was chairing the meeting:

"I'm currently busy with a case involving a state-level out-of-town jurisdiction, and I probably won't be at the law firm for the next few weeks."

The establishment of the new department:

You are responsible for staffing, training plans, and performance evaluation standards.

Your new office has been arranged next to mine. After you move in, you'll no longer be at the team leader level; you'll be at the partner assistant level.

After he finished speaking, he patted Link on the shoulder:

"There should already be people waiting in your office; they need your guidance, this newcomer to the industry."

Link nodded and turned to walk back to his old office.

When the door was pushed open, there were indeed people waiting inside—more than three.

Cona, Benny, and Celine remained in their original positions. In addition to the three of them, three more young men joined the office.

Dylan Frith, Leon Morris, and Graeme Barrett.

These three were all junior lawyers who joined Curtiss Law Firm at the same time as Link.

At the time, they were still privately mocking Benny and Link for being exploited and subjugated by Robin.

But today, the polarization has reversed.

Those they once looked down upon have now become their superiors.

They stood in a row, and when they saw Link push the door open and come in, they almost simultaneously straightened up.

Dylan was the first to speak, his voice tinged with a hint of nervousness:

"Team Leader Link, oh no, Minister Link, hello."

Link waved his hand.

Hello.

Did the three of you apply to come to this department voluntarily, or were you transferred here?

Leon answered quickly:

"It was voluntary. All three of us applied."

We've seen everything you said at the press conference.

He didn't continue, but his meaning was clear.

Looking at the three familiar faces, Link recalled some trivial matters from the past and couldn't help but sigh at how quickly things had changed.

He nodded.

"This new department is directly led by Mr. Dylan McLean, but he has been very busy recently, so I will be responsible for day-to-day management and training."

You need to do the following here:

First, the organization and analysis of case materials must be precise down to the number and source of each piece of evidence.

Secondly, when facing the media and clients, any wrong word could be seized upon by the opposing lawyer, so don't speak about anything you're unsure about.

third--"

He turned and glanced at Benny:

"Benny will guide you through the basic processes. He's been working with me for a few months and has mastered the whole system."

You should learn from him first.

The three nodded and then consciously moved closer to Benny.

Benny stood up, pulled out his notebook which was already worn and frayed, and began assigning them the first round of tasks.

Link turned around and looked at Celine and Cona.

Celine remained seated by the window, notebook in hand, and proactively reported to her supervisor:

"Mr. Link, you still have a few documents to sign today, and several media interview invitations for you to choose from."

She paused, then added in a flat tone:

"Also, a lady has come to see you several times, but you have been away lately."

You happen to be at the law firm today, and she's about to visit again.

She said her name was Martha Kate.

Link's expression shifted slightly.

Martha Kate!

The single mother who works as a personal trainer at Vitality Fitness Club and also does part-time OnlyFans content to earn money for her son's heart surgery.

He helped her handle the legal risks associated with video production and redesigned the channel's operating model for her.

They later signed a contract whereby he would act as her legal counsel and business partner, receiving a share of the profits.

After that meeting, he was too busy with work to pay attention to her.

Unexpectedly, she came to my door on her own initiative, and more than once.

It seems there are some questions I need to ask myself.

Kona then walked over from the window, her steps slow but her direction clear.

She walked up to Link, stopped, and her gaze lingered for a moment on the scarf around his neck.

Her brow twitched slightly, then she looked up at Link's face.

Link coughed lightly and turned his head away:

"Martha Kate was a client I met by chance before."

She was a pitiful single mother, and there was nothing else between us.

I've only handled some legal issues for her.

Seeing Link's somewhat nervous expression, Kona was immediately amused, and a slight smile curved her lips.

"Why are you so nervous? Are you going to see her or not?"

Link nodded slightly:

"Let's go see what trouble she's in, since she's my client after all."