In a short period, a young trial lawyer established a reputation as a skilled lawyer. His clientele adored him, and his opponents frightened him. He was certain to prevail in every instance. He started contributing to legal journals, and he started receiving requests to give talks about his methods. He created a standard lecture to be utilized for these audiences after a series of them.
The Chauffeur
He was accompanied by his chauffeur, a bright young man who felt honored to be connected to this well-known attorney. The brazen young chauffeur claimed to have heard the same speech so often that he could deliver it himself after listening to it for months. It was decided that they would switch responsibilities the next time they were out of town and nobody would notice. The chauffeur was introduced to a room full of prospective lawyers while the lawyer dressed as the chauffeur.
The presentation was delivered by the chauffeur, who skillfully addressed the details and demonstrated procedures. A standing ovation was given to him at the conclusion of the speech. The conversation was amazing. With a few minutes remaining, the moderator asked the grateful audience if they had any questions for the distinguished guest.
One attorney dared to inquire about the legal precedents for one of the strategies mentioned earlier in the lecture. The lawyer at the back of the room felt his heart drop. He could answer the question with ease, but he could not let his driver know the answer. They were about to be revealed!
The chauffeur requested that the person asking the question repeat it. He listened to the question again and laughed. “Why, that is just a basic and well-known precedent that all of you should know!” he replied, with a faint undertone of derision. The answer should likewise be obvious to the average layperson. I will let my chauffeur answer for you to illustrate my point.
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