In the Shadow of the Law

By: Kermit Roosevelt

Narrated by: Craig Wasson

Morgan Siler is one of Washington, D.C.'s most powerful K Street law firms, its roster of clients stocked with multibillion-dollar corporations. The obsessive efforts of its senior partner, Peter Morgan, have transformed it from an old-fashioned business into a veritable Goliath. As Peter reaches the pinnacle of his career, his firm is embroiled in two difficult cases: a pro bono death penalty case in Virginia, and a class action lawsuit brought against Hubble Chemical of Texas after an on site explosion killed dozens of workers.

Assigned to these cases is a group of seasoned partners and young associates struggling to make their way in the firm. Mark Clayton, fresh out of law school, is beginning to loathe the dullness of much of his work and to be frightened by the deterioration of his personal life when he is assigned to the pro bono case. Assisting him is the mercurial Walker Eliot, a brilliant third-year associate whose passion for the law is as great as his skill at unraveling its intricacies. The aggressive, profane, and wildly successful litigator Harold Fineman is leading the Hubble defense, assisted by the new associate Katja Phillips, whose odd combination of efficiency and idealism intrigue him, and Ryan Grady, whose quest to pick up girls is starting to interfere with his work.

In this complex, ambitious, and gripping first novel, Kermit Roosevelt vividly illustrates the subtle and stark effects of the law not only on the lives of a group of lawyers but also on communities and private citizens. In the Shadow of the Law is both a deftly plotted page-turner and a meditation on the life of the law, the organism that is a law firm, and the consequences for those who come within its powerful orbit.©2005 Kermit Roosevelt; (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

True picture of the practice of law

As an attorney of 28 years, including stints as a prosecutor and in private practice, I can honestly say that this book rings more true than any other legal "novel" I have ever read. Now, when I'm asked by someone in college whether to go to law school, I refer them to this book. If they can get through this book, then they can get through the practice of law. This is definitely not a slick legal thriller or a quick listen. I savored it over about 10 days and was sorry to hear it end. Too bad that Kermit Roosevelt III only wrote one novel -- the rest are scholarly legal tomes. I'd give anything to read more fiction by this author (who is now a professor of law).

Rich, intelligent work.

Kermit Roosevelt does a supurb job of opening a window into the life of a big firm lawyer. He articulates an intreguing story, and creates characters as real as if you saw them everyday at work. In the end, I felt as if losing friends when the story ended. Excellent work! I look forward to other novels by Roosevelt. (If you find that the story lags a little, keep going, it all ties together).

Highly recommended!

What a book! I've never written a review before, but I was so taken with this novel I just had to sign on and give it my highest praise. I've recommended it to all my peers in the local bar association. Far from your typical legal thriller, this book instead gives insight into the varied and complex motivations of the different characters and how the practice of law has affected/changed them, as well as the inside workings of a law firm. The author offers a broad spectrum of philosophy and in-depth analyses of the law, yet manages to do so without lecturing or boring the reader. Can't believe this is Roosevelt's first book and can't wait for the next one. I'm so glad I got the unabridged version...I never wanted it to end. Also, cudos to the narrator, Craig Wasson, who was excellent.

Excellent

This is a great audiobook, I could hardly put it down.
The book shows the inside workings of a high powered D.C. lawfirm through the eyes of some of its associates and partners. Some of the characters are likeable and some are less so but all seem human, real, and very well developed.
Do not expect a high energy courtroom thriller though. Instead, this book leads the listener into the inner intricacies of the law, the lawfirm, and into the minds of the lawyers. In addition to the actual happenings, the characters tend to philosophise about their lives and the law, which makes this book somehow deeper and more gripping than the usual legal mysteries.
The reader was also very good and definitely added to the listening experience.

Amazing first book!

I read this as soon as it came out, and I just could not put it down. The characters are very well done, and the story is original and fun. Also, this book is not only for those interested in law. It just happens to be what the author knows a lot about, and what he has to say about life in a law firm is illuminating. At the end, one can understand why a jurist like Roosevelt chose the ivory tower (or did he?) - this book speaks to fast trackers, and non fast trackers of all stripes.