THERE MAY BE A SPECIAL CORNER of Hell for attorneys who are shamelessly self-aggrandizing, but you canbet we all are ready for our close-ups. When I arrive at the family court to find a horde of reporters on parade,I offer around sound bites as if they are candy, and make sure that the cameras are on me. I say theappropriate things about how this case is unorthodox, but ultimately painful for everyone involved. I hint thatthe judge’s ruling may affect the rights of minors nationwide, as well as stem cell research. Then I smooth thejacket of my Armani suit, tug on Judge’s leash, and explain that I really must go speak to my client.
Inside, Vern Stackhouse catches my eye and gives me a thumbs-up. I’d run into the deputy earlier, and veryinnocently asked whether his sister, a reporter for the ProJo, would be coming down today. “I can’t really sayanything,” I hinted, “but the hearing…it’s going to be pretty big.”
In that special corner of Hell, there’s probably a throne for those of us who try to capitalize off our pro bonowork.
Minutes later, we are in chambers. “Mr. Alexander.” Judge DeSalvo lifts up the motion for a restrainingorder. “Would you like to tell me why you’ve filed this, when I explicitly addressed the issue yesterday?”
“I had my initial meeting with the guardian ad litem, Judge,” I reply. “While Ms. Romano was present, SaraFitzgerald told my client the lawsuit was a misunderstanding that would work itself out.” I slide my glancetoward Sara, who shows no emotion but a tightening of her jaw. “This is a direct violation of your order, YourHonor. Although this court tried to fashion conditions that would keep the family together, I don’t think it’sgoing to work until Mrs. Fitzgerald finds it possible to mentally separate her role as parent from her role asopposing counsel. Until then, a physical separation is necessary.”
Judge DeSalvo taps his fingers on the desk. “Mrs. Fitzgerald? Did you say those things to Anna?”
“Well, of course I did!” Sara explodes. “I’m trying to get to the bottom of this!”
The admission is a circus tent collapsing, leaving all of us in utter silence. Julia chooses that moment to burstthrough the door. “Sorry I’m late,” she says, breathless.
“Ms. Romano,” the judge asks, “have you had a chance to speak to Anna today?”
“Yes, just now.” She looks at me, and then at Sara. “I think she’s very confused.”
“What’s your opinion of the motion Mr. Alexander’s filed?”
She tucks an errant coil of hair behind one ear. “I don’t think I have enough information to make a formaldecision, but my gut feeling says it would be a mistake for Anna’s mother to be removed from the house.”
Immediately, I tense. Reacting, the dog gets to his feet. “Judge, Mrs. Fitzgerald just admitted that she violatedthe court’s order. At the very least she should be reported to the bar for ethical violations, and—”
“Mr. Alexander, there is more to this case than the letter of the law.” Judge DeSalvo turns to Sara. “Mrs.
Fitzgerald, I strongly recommend you look into hiring an independent attorney to represent you and yourhusband in this petition. I am not going to grant the restraining order today, but I will warn you once againnot to talk with your child about this case until the hearing next week. If it comes to my attention at somefuture date that you have ignored this directive once again, I will report you to the bar myself and personallyescort you from your home.” He smacks the file folder shut and gets up. “Do not bother me again untilMonday, Mr. Alexander.”
“I need to see my client,” I announce, and I hurry out to the hallway where I know Anna is waiting with herfather.
Sara Fitzgerald, predictably, is right at my heels. Following her—intent on keeping the peace, no doubt—isJulia. All three of us come to an abrupt stop at the sight of Vern Stackhouse, dozing on the bench where Annawas sitting. “V............