Good Counsel

by Tim Junkin

Tim Junkin's fast-paced insider novel tracks a moral journey. Jack Stanton began his career as a public defender in the Washington, D.C., "Agency." A quick study and a charismatic trial lawyer, Jack believed wholeheartedly in indigent clients' rights to the best legal defense possible. He worked tirelessly and won some tough cases against the District's corps of prosecuting attorneys. His reputation for expert client preparation grew alongside his passion for winning. Ultimately, however, Jack pays for that reputation with his integrity. And, for his workaholism, he pays with his marriage. By the time he decides to leave the Agency to establish his own private law practice, his line between truth and manipulated fact has thinned to almost nothing. And so, specializing in medical malpractice cases, Jack succeeds brilliantly until he obscures that thin line altogether and is charged with lying under oath. He runs, hiding out in a secluded house on the Chesapeake Bay. It's there that he encounters an idealistic young woman plotting to avenge her father's murder by terrorists. Her plight leads Jack to act once again on behalf of an underdog and to regain-at least for himself-his own idealism and honor. With its intriguing cast of the accused and their defenders, Good Counsel dramatically illustrates the process and practice of litigation. It's a knowing, taut, suspenseful novel that confronts the high price of professional success.

Paperback

First published March 4, 2001

Reviews

[Susan Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Stanton is a defense attorney and he is on the run. The reason why is told in flashbacks as his journey progresses. This sounds rather dull but it isn't. It's really a very interesting story, nicely paced.

[Roy Timpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it started out very well, it went side ways in the middle and finished OK. (I'm avoiding spoilers)

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting and I enjoyed it even though it was a little unclear to me during the middle of the book. Could have just been me.

I woudl read another book by this author because it was a decent read.

Mystery fans will like it.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

[M.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just moved to Maryland, it was interesting to hear lots of local places identified in the book. It began a bit weird, but all the strings were tied up in the end. Junkin is an interesting writer, a clever story teller.

[Rick Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story that unfolds like a fine wine. The passages describing the Chesapeake Bay area are rich.