Boston, 1986; Woburn, Summer 1966; The Lawyer Summary and Analysis

As attorney Jan Schlichtmann watches his beloved Porsche being towed away in repossession, he wonders what more can occur as he awaits the verdict in the most important trial of his life. His contemplations include the pitiful state of his personal finances, the impending closure of a practice drowning in debt, and some serious analysis of the wisdom of becoming involved in this case at all. The case has consumed him for nine years, has cost over two million dollars to bring to trial, and has damaged loyal colleagues and partners. Though the trial itself lasted a mere five months, the case began long ago.

In the summer of 1966, Woburn, Massachusetts, a small town twenty miles north of Boston, was a quiet, friendly place, with a central square and middle class neighborhoods, on...