Renegade Barrister

In 1973 when I started practicing law - the country was in anti-war mode, with widespread demonstrations. Most law graduates, including myself, did not want to work for the large law firms or corporations and certainly not for 'the government.' We were an idealistic bunch - wanting to help the down trodden and helpless masses. The great anti-poverty movements were active and growing. I soon discovered that good deeds and free legal services do not pay salaries or office rent and had to settle down and try to earn a living and support myself, my family and my staff. My law practice was a general practice - and I never knew who or what was going to walk through our door next. A murder case, child custody matter, or some unsolved mystery. Some were minor cases - others were major cases that were to make new law in the State of Texas after review by some of the highest courts in the land. In writing this book, which is as much about what happened to some of my fortunate and unfortunate clients as happened to me - I try to tell their unusual stories in layman's language and how their experiences with our legal system changed all our lives. The judicial process, whether it is criminal or civil in nature, can and does fundamentally change a person's life. The parties involved may feel that justice prevailed or justice was denied in their case. The actions or inactions of their legal counsel often make the difference between a just or unjust outcome. Our system of justice is not self-correcting - it is a never-ending struggle between the weak and the powerful; whether they are governmental agencies and large corporations. Bobby Wilson, JD