Erin Brockovich (2000)

Relevant to this Segment

1. Was Erin's use of her appearance appropriate in obtaining a job? In obtaining information from witnesses? Did she cross a line or was she just being herself?
   
   Our thoughts: If anything, Erin put up her own roadblocks to gaining employment in a legal firm. She may have also made her own job tougher by being perceived as a threat to the perspective clients. However, at the end of the day it is the attorney's decision on what is an is not appropriate in such situations. After all, he (or she) is the one writing the paychecks.
   
   
2. Was it appropriate for Erin to pursue interviews with potential clients? In terms of the ABA's rule prohibiting solicitation, were those interviews ethical?
   
   Our thoughts: This is a bit of a close call. Solicitation is the pursuit of a "specific prospective client." In this case, though, the fact that there was a "class" of people who may, or may not, have needed representation makes the interviews ethical. In fact, once a case takes on class action status, anyone potentially in the "class" may be contacted by the attorney, or the attorney's paralegal.
   
   
3. Is Erin referred to as a legal assistant or as a paralegal? Is there a difference?
   
   Our thoughts: No where in the movie do they mention the words "paralegal" or "legal assistant!" Too bad!
   
   
4. Look for the blonde waitress serving coffee to Erin in the restaurant. That waitress is the real Erin Brockovich.
   
   Our thoughts: Did you see her? Also, remember the biker/boyfriend character? Sadly, the relationship did not last. Not only that, but after the movie was released and became a huge success, the boyfriend buddied-up with Erin's ex-husband and, allegedly, attempted to extort both Erin and her boss, Ed Masry. Through a lawyer, they threatened to go public with allegations that Erin was a bad mother and that she and her boss had sex. The two were men and their lawyer were arrested and charged with extortion. In the end, the lawyer was convicted but the prosecutor dropped charges against the two men, apparently lacking evidence (due to various privileges) that the idea was their's and not the lawyer's.

Classic Film Recommendation

• Inherit the Wind (1960) starring Spencer Tracy. Based on the Scopes "Monkey" trial which pitted Clarence Darrow against William Jennings Bryan. (The names are changed in the film since the conversations are fictionalized.)