SYNOPSIS

Through brilliance and  ruthlessness, Jack Pressler becomes the top antitrust lawyer in the country. His many successes and dominating personality allow him to run his firm with an iron fist. His partners fear and admire him. His earns an eight-figure salary and becomes the first new name partner in the firm since the 19th Century.

Jack’s one flaw transcends his entire life, ever since his early  conflicts with his father. If someone tries to cross hm, his ego causes him to react with a vengeance. When he is at the height of his success his mother warily asks whether he can finally let go of a slight. Jack tells her that he never will.

At the end, Jack is handling a case that he expects will result in great success. Damaging evidence, an ethical lapse, and his ego cause him to face losing everything. He is forced to confront issues that have plagued him his entire life, which lead to a surprise ending.   

What helps make the book a fun read are its many colorful characters. Alex, his law school classmate from the Soviet Union, is sharp and witty, and every word he says has meaning. Liam, his colleague from law school until they are senior partners, is a burly first generation Irish American who calls him Jackie and becomes his long term best friend. Heather, the beautiful and brilliant woman from Mississippi, becomes his first great love until his ego ruins their relationship and causes a tragedy. Wendy, the beautiful daughter of the managing partner of Jack’s firm becomes his wife and the mother of his beloved son until her crass materialism and selfishness drive him away. There are many other interesting people throughout the book.