Book Reading -- I'll Take The Case, by TLA Member, Jon Plaut, A92 -- June 23, 2021 at 7-8PM ET

Join Tufts alum and long-time litigator Jonathan D. Plaut, A92, as he reads us selections from his newest book, “I’ll Take the Case: Wild & True Law Stories”. 

In the book, Plaut shares 18 of his best true law stories – out of over 1,500 he has handled in his career. These stories are told in a quick, easily-readable style, and they introduce the reader to the real-life world of a litigator. Some of Plaut’s stories are funny, some are poignant, some are heartbreaking and some are just wild, and they range from criminal law, civil litigation and sports law to international disputes and family battles.  

“One story is about a maritime mutiny out of Gloucester,” Plaut says, “and another is about a lawsuit where I sued Don King on behalf of a World Heavyweight boxing champion. Another is about a fistfight which occurred on a Korean Airlines flight which made headline news throughout South Korea.” There are several stories about rock stars he has represented, and some are about sex-based crimes and their aftermath. “It’s packed with details, and I share the nuances of my legal strategies.” Plaut tells us that the book contains stories about jury trials, self-defenestration and some super strange barters for legal services. “Fasten your seatbelt,” Plaut cautions. 

Plaut’s book is available on Amazon. Tufts’ own Sol Gittleman called it “a stunning achievement”. Another lawyer in Boston just called it “a peep show into the incredible world of litigation”. 

Plaut will also field questions---about law school, the practice of law, rock & roll stories from the road, or anything else you might want to ask! He will also giveaway three autographed books to attendees picked at random.

The discussion will be moderated by Sabienne Brutus, A13. 

This event is open to all Tufts Lawyers Association members, students, alumni, parents and friends. We look forward to seeing you on June 23rd!

REGISTER

To learn more about this program or TLA, contact TLA President, Tom Dunn at rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com.

We learned a lot from Judge Locke -- Tufts Judicial Series

On June 2, 2021, Becky Goldberg (recent Columbia Law School Graduate) and Marc Sittenreich (Garfunkel Wild) interviewed Magistrate Steven Locke of the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York (EDNY).

Judge Locke discussed the unique attributes of Magistrate Judges, including its history and diversity of usage throughout the United States District Courts.  He described that EDNY currently has a huge caseload and that the Magistrate Judges handle the civil cases mostly through the discovery and motion for summary judgment stages of the litigation.  He described his thoughts on bail decisions, including implicit biases, and the effort that he commits towards the cases he adjudicates.  

Judge Locke promoted the strong benefits of clerkship as well as service as an Associate United States Attorney.  He described how much he enjoys working with his law clerks and interns.  He prefers to hire his law clerks after a couple years of experience.  

The TLA's Tufts Judicial Series is making connections.  Judge Locke described how he has been in touch with Judge Birotte after his program.  He mentioned that he may adopt Judge Birotte's policy of allowing oral argument if an attorney with less than seven years experience handles the argument.  In addition, during the networking portion of the meeting, Judge Locke's friend from Tufts re-connected with Judge Locke from India!  Despite it being 5AM in India, Guatam Chawla and Judge Locke recounted old times during the call.  It was fun to see.   Below is a screenshot of that moment.  

Thank you Judge Locke for sharing your time with us this week.  And, great job moderating Marc and Becky!  

We will post the recording once it is available.  If you have questions about the Tufts Judicial Series or the Tufts Lawyers Association, contact me, Tom Dunn, TLA President, at rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com