[first lines]
Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Leland, we have to face reality. When Victor and Michael left the firm, litigation fell off. When Jack Sollers went, it nose-dived. Now Abby's leaving and taking more business with her.
Leland McKenzie: All right. The financial situation is serious, but it's not critical.
Douglas Brackman, Jr.: I disagree. In the past three months, we've lost four major corporate clients including Tammon Group. The bank is so nervous that they're reviewing our line of credit.
Leland McKenzie: Oh, that's ridiculous. They're overreacting.
Douglas Brackman, Jr.: It gets worse. I got a letter this morning from Perry Littlefield, the agent from our insurance company. Because of the Rosalind Shays' lawsuit and claim from last year, Ballantine is doubling our liability premium. And because of Ann Kelsey's suspension, malpractice is going up to half a million.
Leland McKenzie: Over my dead body! We'll take our business elsewhere. I'll make a loan myself if I have to.
Douglas Brackman, Jr.: You can't keep propping up the firm with Rosalind's money. We have to consider alternatives.
Leland McKenzie: I already told you, I will not consider renting office space to Susan Bloom.
Douglas Brackman, Jr.: [speaking quietly] Her practice is phenomenal. She represents half of Hollywood and she's willing to pay top dollar.
Leland McKenzie: They call her "Jaws", Douglas.
Douglas Brackman, Jr.: [almost whispering] A rumor. Printed in the same tabloid rag that called me a bald bore last year while I was dating Vanna White.
Leland McKenzie: Susan Bloom is everything I hate about entertainment law - cheap, phony, utterly devoid of ethics.
Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Shh!
[Douglas really whispering]
Douglas Brackman, Jr.: You don't even know her. She's dynamic, she's... she's cutting edge, she's a litigator anyone would be proud to share space with.
Leland McKenzie: Why are you whispering, Douglas?
[Douglas turns back over there, there's someone there at Douglas' office. Douglas whispering]
Douglas Brackman, Jr.: She's in my office. She's taken the trouble to stop by here while on her way to a very important film screening for one her clients in Hollywood.
Leland McKenzie: Bloom is here? Now?
Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Just meet her. That's all I ask.