“I read the brief on the Foley case.”
I bit the inside of my cheek. “And you have a recommendation for me?”
“I’m wondering if you have referred Mrs. Foley to outside counsel.”
The wind kicked up. “No. She came to me specifically stating she didn’t trust any law firms in the city. Working with someone else isn’t an option for her.”
“Have you brought it up again? Suggested she go with a full legal team?”
I shook my head. “What is your concern? That I’m not able to handle the case?”
He tilted his head toward the tree limbs overhead. “Emily, this is the kind of case that’s going to receive national attention. Suing a sitting senator is not a run-of-the-mill suit.”
“I’m aware of the implications and the consequences,” I stated. The case had kept me awake at night. I knew all of the ramifications.
“I’m afraid it’s going to appear as though our university is trying to insinuate itself in a national matter.”
“Are you asking me to drop Mrs. Foley’s case?”
He stopped under one of the oaks. I wrapped my jacket closer to my chest.
“I think it would be best.”
I shook my head. “I can’t do that.”
“You can,” he pressed.
“Then I should say I won’t do that. I stand by her claims. She was wrongfully terminated. Someone has to hold the senator accountable.”
“Then let the Justice Department do that. I’m sure a high-end firm would love the publicity.”
I sighed with exasperation. “That’s exactly what Lana doesn’t want. She needs an advocate who has nothing to gain. Nothing financial. Nothing but pursing the purity of the law. And that’s what I intend to do.”
He huffed. “I had a feeling you would say that.”
“You did?”
He nodded. “I really wanted to make sure you were fully committed.”
“I am. Fully.”
We started to walk back toward the clinic. “Then, I’d like to offer my assistance.”
I was shocked. “For a case you want me to drop?”
“It’s not that I want you to drop it, it’s that if you do drop it life would be simpler for all of us. But I haven’t been teaching and practicing law for this many years to turn down a monumental moment. I’d like to be in on it, if you’ll have me.”
“Oh my God, yes. Of course. I’d love to have help. Your help.”
“Great.” He smiled. “We can schedule a briefing for tomorrow.”
I nodded. “Absolutely.”
I climbed the stairs.
“See you tomorrow, Emily.”
I suddenly felt as if I had a full arsenal at my disposal. Max Harrison was a brilliant legal mind. And he was now on our team. I needed to call Lana and let her know. This changed everything.