TRIAL TECHNIQUES ASSIGNMENT

Submitted by: Robert V. Florin

The Rainmaker by John Grisham – Review

Unlike his colleagues, Rudy Baylor, has no high-paying job and is forced
to apply for part-time positions while serving drinks just to finish law school.
Desperate for a job, he was introduced to Bruiser Stone, a ruthless lawyer but
successful ambulance chaser, who makes him an associate. It is here where
he meets Deck Shifflet, a former insurance assessor working as a
paralegal who has failed the bar exams six times.

Rudy passes the bar exam and decides to set-up law practice with Deck.
Rudy has an insurance claim case worth several millions in damages against
Great Benefits Insurance and finds himself up against a group of experienced
lawyers from a large firm, headed by Leo Drummond, an attorney who uses
unscrupulous tactics to win his cases. The case goes to trial and the jury
awards the family of the deceased beneficiary not only actual damages but also
punitive damages that are more than Great Benefit have. It is a triumph for
Rudy and Deck. However, the insurance company declares bankruptcy
allowing it to avoid paying punitive damages. There is no payout for the
grieving parents and no fee for Rudy.

Deciding that this success will create unrealistic expectations for future
clients, Rudy decides to abandon his practice and teach law instead, heading
out for an uncertain but a bright future ahead.

Qualities of a Lawyer discerned from the movie

1. Determined to face and overcome challenges

2. Hard-working to ensure the attainment of one’s goals
3. Competence with the provisions of the law and the rules of court
4. Compassion for the welfare of clients
5. Possesses unquestionable integrity not only professionally but also
personally

Important Lesson

Admittance to the law profession would require great determination and

hard work; and the insurmountable challenges and complexities that await the
practice of law can well be tempered with through competence, compassion
and integrity that would ensure one’s success in this calling.