Chapter 53
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The news of the trial sent shockwaves through the law school. Lily Vance was no longer just the quiet, brilliant student in the third row; she was a legend. She had taken down one of the most powerful real estate developers in the city, exposed massive corporate fraud, and won a landmark family court ruling, all before she had even taken the bar exam.
Professor Hayes called Lily into her office during the final week of her 3L year. The clinic was quiet, the frantic energy of the semester winding down.
"I received a call from the district attorney's office this morning," Professor Hayes said, pouring two cups of coffee and handing one to Lily. "The federal prosecutors officially indicted Victor Thorne on six counts of tax evasion and perjury. His empire is completely collapsing."
"Good," Lily said simply, taking a sip of the coffee.
"I also received calls from three of the top litigation firms in the city," Professor Hayes smiled warmly. "They all want to interview you for associate positions. They saw what you did in that courtroom, Lily. You have your pick of any corporate firm you want."
Lily looked out the small window of the clinic, watching the students rushing across the campus green. She thought about the sleek, glass-walled conference rooms of the high-rise firms, the expensive suits, and the multi-million dollar corporate mergers.
"I appreciate the offers, Professor," Lily said, turning back to the desk. "But I'm not interested in protecting corporate mergers. I know exactly what kind of law I want to practice."
Professor Hayes leaned back in her chair, a deep, profound respect shining in her eyes. "I had a feeling you would say that. What are you going to do, Lily?"
"I am going to open my own practice," Lily stated, her voice radiating absolute certainty. "I am going to build a sanctuary for the people who fall through the cracks. The women like Rosa. The people who are told that their voices don't matter because they don't have the money to make them loud."
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"It's a hard road, counselor," Professor Hayes warned gently. "It doesn't pay well, and it breaks your heart."
"My heart has already been broken," Lily smiled softly. "And it healed just fine. I'm ready."
