Little Pink House_ A True Story of Defiance and Courage - Jeff Benedict [89]
Instead of money, Bullock explained, he expected some other things from Susette. “We’re different types of lawyers,” he told her. “We don’t follow the typical way lawyers do things.”
She asked him to explain.
He started with a simple example. When filing lawsuits, the institute always wrote an introduction to each complaint, a sort of short story saying what the case was about. Lawyers, as a rule, didn’t write complaints that way. Courts, after all, didn’t require a story; they were about reviewing facts and the laws that govern them.
But the institute wanted the press to read its lawsuits, too. If crafted properly, lawsuits could be the basis for changing public policy. If a lawsuit in New London led to better protections against eminent-domain abuse on a nationwide basis, the institute would rather have that than money.
Susette nodded, only half grasping it.
Bullock offered another distinction between his firm and others. Usually when a case involves multiple plaintiffs, the group’s lawyer simply lists them alphabetically on the complaint. This means that individuals whose last names began with the letters “A,” “B,” and “C” were more likely to be lead plaintiffs than those whose names began with “R,” “S,” and “T.”
“We refuse to do that,” Bullock explained. “We pick the person who we think will be the primary spokesperson for the case, the person who we think really represents what this fight is all about.”
Bullock grinned at Susette and raised his eyebrows.
She didn’t flinch.
In Bullock’s assessment, Susette had the most dedication and determination among the holdouts. She had led the fight from day one. She had consistently turned down financial offers to sell. Her home had been the gathering place for opposition meetings, rallies, and vigils. She had the stuff to turn a legal dispute into a real national cause. Bullock asked her if she would agree to have her name listed first on the suit.
She said yes.
“You have to be willing to be the public face of this battle and work with the media and not be afraid to have your picture in the newspaper and in our publications,” he said.
She explained she had no experience with the press. She felt uncomfortable talking to reporters.
Not to worry, Bullock told her. His firm employed highly skilled media professionals. They would teach Susette the rules of the game, such as how to speak to the media, how to behave in front of the camera, and other useful tips.
“The media can be a demanding beast,” Bullock said.
Convincing Von Winkle would be a little more difficult but no less important. Von Winkle owned more property than anyone else in the neighborhood. Without him on board, Bullock figured, it would be too easy for the city to squeeze Susette and any other plaintiffs.
Knowing he needed to make a strong pitch, Bullock walked into Von Winkle’s deli and told him he planned to file a lawsuit against the city and wage a high-profile campaign that would put a national spotlight on the injustices being carried out by the NLDC. All the institute’s resources would be behind the Fort Trumbull property owners. “Are you interested in being a plaintiff?” he asked.
Von Winkle paused. By claiming ownership of Von Winkle’s properties, the NLDC also claimed it was entitled to all the rental proceeds generated by the tenants. “What happens if I lose my rental income during the litigation?” he asked. “If that happens I won’t have any income.”
“We will fight and do all we can to protect your interests to the greatest extent of our ability,” Bullock assured him. “We won’t let you be financially ruined during the course of the litigation.”
Von Winkle had other concerns. If successful, Bullock’s strategy would thrust the homeowners into the spotlight. “I’m not good at speaking to the media,” Von Winkle said.
“Don’t worry. We won’t put you up front. Susette will be the lead plaintiff in the case. Inevitably, she will get more attention as a result.”
“That’s good, Bull.”
Bullock smiled. No one had ever called him that before.
Von Winkle agreed to join the suit.
“Look, I want to