There are few things in life worse than a long-winded lawyer

There are few things in life worse than a long-winded lawyer

John Grisham is a master of legal thrillers, known for his intricate plots, compelling characters, and intense courtroom drama. In many of his novels, he portrays lawyers as heroes fighting for justice against all odds. However, Grisham also recognizes that not all lawyers are noble crusaders for truth and justice. In fact, he often includes long-winded, self-serving lawyers in his stories as foils to his more virtuous protagonists.

One of the most memorable examples of a long-winded lawyer in Grisham's work is the character of Wally Hudson in "The Firm." Hudson is a partner at the prestigious law firm that recruits the novel's protagonist, Mitch McDeere. From the moment Mitch meets him, he is struck by Hudson's incessant chatter and grandiose stories about his own accomplishments. Hudson is the epitome of the pompous, self-absorbed lawyer who loves to hear himself talk.

Throughout the novel, Hudson's long-windedness serves as a stark contrast to Mitch's quiet, understated demeanor. While Mitch is focused on doing his job well and staying out of trouble, Hudson is constantly seeking attention and validation from those around him. His verbosity is not just annoying; it is a reflection of his shallow, self-serving nature.

In the world of John Grisham, long-winded lawyers like Wally Hudson are not just a nuisance; they are a danger to the pursuit of justice. Their endless pontificating and self-aggrandizement can distract from the real issues at hand and lead to costly mistakes in the courtroom. In "The Firm," Hudson's long-windedness ultimately proves to be his downfall, as his arrogance blinds him to the true nature of the firm's illegal activities.