“Yes, Your Honor.”
“And your professional history includes legal advisory work and litigation responsibilities?”
“Yes.”
The judge nodded.
“Thank you. You may sit.”
That was all.
He didn’t congratulate me.
He didn’t announce that the case was over.
He didn’t decide that my credentials made me right.
He simply returned to the issues before him.
But the atmosphere had changed.
My father leaned toward Whitman.
“She’s not a real lawyer,” he whispered.
Unfortunately for him, his voice carried.
Judge Morrison looked up.
“Mr. Parker, please refrain from speaking while the court is conducting the hearing.”
My father straightened.
“Yes, Your Honor.”
I looked down at my folders.
I had waited years to hear someone tell my father to stop talking.
It took considerable effort not to smile.
Whitman rose.
“Your Honor, the respondent’s employment history isn’t the central issue here.”
“Agreed,” Judge Morrison replied. “The central issues concern the decedent’s testamentary capacity and the allegations of undue influence. However, your clients have repeatedly raised Ms. Parker’s alleged incompetence as part of their presentation.”
