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“We stepped back from the roles of practicing law, but this firm and its reputation carry our names. You hit our radar quickly.”
“That’s very flattering.”
“You can imagine our shock and appall when we received the letters from your lawyer yesterday. Learning you left and the fact that you are bringing ethical complaints against your former peers has shaken us.”
Miller showed me a copy of the letter Stephanie wrote on behalf as my lawyer. It was not the direction I would have taken with drastic and long-lasting consequences. But when she explained it was meant to get attention, I had to agree it was a good shot.
“I haven’t decided that’s the route to take,” I reply.
“Regardless of how you proceed, it alerted us to the deficiencies and conspiracies happening under our noses. We’re taking your situation seriously.”
“That’s all I can ask for.”
“Redmond, Kersh, and Ried was created by three cocky and egotistical men in our thirties ready to conquer the legal world. Back then we were unbeatable. I will not stand here and lie to you, saying we didn’t cross the line many times for the sake of the win, the money, and the notoriety. All of us did it. We are not boy scouts and never claimed to be upstanding citizens. Our growth and expansion brought many challenges, and we turned a blind-eye often.” Mr. Reid pauses, casting a glance at his partner and over to Scottie and Miller before bringing his eyes back to me. “We skated the line of legal ethics more times than I can count. I tell you this because not once, in almost fifty years of practicing law and almost forty years since creating this firm, did any of the three of us strike a woman or solicit her out for sexual expectations.”
My hand reflexively goes to my cheek, and my heart pounds in my ears. No one outside of the small circle knows about the tussle with Brock. Stephanie did not put it in her letter. The reference to the sexual expectations also isn’t public knowledge, considering the scandal for the people involved.
“I would never sleep with someone to gain an advantage,” I defend myself unnecessarily.
“Women have been using their sexuality as a weapon since the dawn of time. You, Miss Rhodes, are not a woman that uses that tactic to get ahead. Your intelligence, dedication, and commitment placed you on the fast track to success.”
“Thank you, Mr. Redmond.”
“My father taught me to spot a vixen at fourteen, explaining my lustful desires would ruin my life if I wasn’t aware of the consequences. It seems not everyone in this building was taught that life lesson. Along with your situation, in the last two days, our infrastructure has imploded with revelations of adultery, improper relationships, ethical violations, and general chaos. We may be old men, but we’re not completely obtuse. Telling our associates whom they can have a relationship with isn’t our business. But it seems we are facing a public relations nightmare.”
“I’m sorry to hear there are problems. Since leaving, I’ve had no contact with anyone in the firm until Mr. Donner a few days ago.”
“We know. After your letters were personally delivered, we immediately began digging. You may have a ballbuster reputation, but you are well respected. Word of your return today brought mixed reactions, but most of the chatter was positive. With that being said, we could use some solidarity and foundation in the face of chaos. Would you reconsider joining us back at Redmond, Kersh, and Reid with a promotion to Managing Associate or possibly Partner if you’re ready?”
The weight of his offer sends a wave of shock scoring through me. There was a chance I’d be walking out of here today on my way to disbarment. This is so out of the blue I grow lightheaded.
“Ashlyn, take a deep breath.” Miller’s arm curls around my waist, pressing me to his side for support.
“Mr. Redmond—” My voice cracks, and I swallow to push down the emotions that are clawing up my throat. Miller’s hand clutches my hip, and Scottie comes to my other side. The two men in front of me note the support, both their gazes lighting with understanding.
To my horror, tears well in my eyes, and I wipe them away before they can fall. “Mr. Redmond, Mr. Reid, I can’t tell you how much it means that you’d look to me to bring foundation to this firm. From the day I interviewed, it was my life goal to be offered a partnership. However, leaving here took me back to my roots and I’ve had time to reflect on what matters more than the title of partner. My life, my family, and my future are no longer in Chicago.”
“Perhaps when things calm down around here, we could revisit a remote or virtual opportunity.”
