Essay Questions

How does Jerry Vincent attempt to win the Walter Elliot trial?

Before he was killed, Jerry Vincent represented a wealthy man called Walter Elliot, who was accused of murdering his wife and her lover. After Vincent left Mickey Haller his practice (and thus, the Elliot case), Haller determines that Vincent had paid for and planted a juror on Elliot's jury panel. He did this to, at the very least, deadlock the jury or to ensure that Elliot is acquitted.

Who is responsible for the corruption in the Walter Elliot case?

The senior judge who signs over Jerry Vincent's law practice to Mickey Haller is responsible for the corruption and the planting of a juror in the Walter Elliot case. Given her status as a well-respected and esteemed judge and her ability to influence the selection of jurors in upcoming trials. Her status and her privileged ability to influence the selection of jurors makes her actions even more wrong and egregious.

Why does Mickey Haller decide to represent Patrick?

Mickey Haller decides to represent Patrick, who has been accused of stealing a diamond necklace, because he feels empathy and sympathy for him. Like Patrick, Mickey has had a long history of substance abuse and addiction issues. And though Mickey beat his addiction and is in recovery, Patrick still struggles with addiction, something which Mickey empathizes with.

Ultimately, Mickey shows that the diamonds that Patrick was accused of stealing were not real and charges are quickly dropped.