In Anonymous Lawyer, Jeremy Blachman tells the story of life inside a corporate law firm from the perspective of someone who should know. After all, the author is the one who hires lawyers.
This novel is unique in a certain respect. It's written from the standpoint of someone who creates a blog, but attempts a bit of discretion by changing details so as not to be recognized. Unfortunately, generalities do not always help one to become less noticeable.
In fact, once the blogger's email is shared with the world, people write him constantly, wanting to know if he works for their firm. He doesn't, in most cases. However, those in a position to know the truth have a pretty good idea of who he is. Why? The poor blogger told them, in so many words. He is ambitious enough to do whatever he can to get to the top, no matter whose toes he steps on.
For example, while congratulating his niece on being accepted to Yale Law School, he ignores her wishes and says she would be great as a summer intern at his own firm. He leaves his family by the wayside; unless he wants throw a party to impress the New Chairman so as ensure that his predecessor picks him to be the replacement.
There are, though, one or two obstacles in his way. The Jerk is the designation for his rival, or the man he perceives as such. Rather than concentrating on performing the best in his own position, Anonymous Lawyer focuses solely on destroying the competition.
Obstacle number two is his own blog. Names might have been changed, but there is always the chance of a supervisor, or worse, an underling, finding out. As it so happens, one does. The resulting attempt at a cover-up raises the paranoia.
In the end, Anonymous Lawyer gets what is coming to him. Any success he may have had blows up in his face. He wasn't astute enough to stop his train of self-destruction.
I've never worked in a law firm, so I wouldn't know if this description is accurate, even though it is fiction. I will say Blachman has a degree from Harvard Law School, so read and judge for yourself.
I did find one disturbing part. Anonymous Lawyer says "Everyone here has Asperger's Syndrome to some extent—it's one of the makings of a corporate lawyer". Exactly what was that sentence based on? Yes, Boston Legal dealt with the subject. Having AS myself, I quickly figured out the character was over the top, made-for-television audiences.
Since the book is based on Internet readings, I thought I'd share the website.
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