Product Description

Daniel Ames is a rising star in one of Portland's most prestigious law firms. However, the lack of a silver spoon in his background makes him uncomfortable amongst his professional peers and eager to impress. When he is unjustly fired for overlooking essential evidence, he decides to dig deeper.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1329350 in Books
• Published on: 2001-12-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 298 pages

Review
The associate is Daniel Ames, who has overcome his poor upbringing and the neglect of his drunken mother by joining the army then putting himself through university in order to gain a law degree. In spite of his lack of an Ivy League background, Daniel's legal skills have earned him a place at Oregon's best law firm, Reed, Briggs. One of the firm's leading clients, Geller Pharmaceuticals, is being sued becaues a drug it manufactures, dubbed by the press 'Son of Thalidomide', is suspected of causing birth defects. When Daniel meets Aaron Flynn, the charming lawyer representing his distraught parents, he begins to wonder if he is on the right side. His doubts increase when he discovers a note from a research scientist working for Geller which appears to confirm the drug's risk of causing cleft palates in unborn children. Embroiled in conspiracy and cover-up, Daniel finds himself out of a job and accused of murder. He looks for support to two strong women, investigator Kate Ross and lawyer Amanda Jaffe, as he sets out to clear his name. Though the book jacket describes Phillip Margolis as 'the master of the courtroom thriller', the emphasis in this novel is not on the courtroom but on the risks and surprises Daniel comes up against in determining the truth. This is a solid, intricately plotted novel, with enough twists to keep the reader guessing. Plausible scientific detail supports the author's thorough knowledge of corporate legal procedures. Though the plot drives the novel, there are other enjoyable aspects for the reader. The setting, in Portland, Oregon, is unusual and a refreshing change from New York and San Francisco. Daniel's character is realistically complex and well-drawn, as are those of the other characters, especially the female ones. (Kirkus UK)

Publishing News
'Easily challenges Grisham or Turow.'

About the Author
Phillip Margolin is a criminal defence attorney who has defended several people accused of murder.