Homelessness is a disease tearing at the very framework of our society. John Grisham in The Street Lawyer addresses this issue. Grisham uses the impetus of homelessness to motivate and create a conflict within the delicate psyche of a young lawyer on his way to the top of a large D.C. firm called Drake & Sweeney. Michael Brock is caught in a hostage situation, narrowly avoiding death. The hostage turns out to be a disgruntled homeless man whom Drake & Sweeney have put back on the street. This starts the gears turning in Michael's head he keeps asking the question why. The curiosity overwhelms him and there ends his lucrative Drake & Sweeney career and begins Michael's life as a street lawyer. Grisham believes that we all should confront society's moral standards while simultaneously struggling to develop our own idea of what is right and true.

Grisham can relate to these ideals commonly held by a street lawyer. It all began on February 8, in 1955 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. That was when and where John Grisham was born. He was raised in a family of five children. During his youth he moved around a lot because his father was a construction worker. All through

Although the money and future are appealing, Michael decides to give up his cushy job at Drake & Sweeney to create real justice for people who are in dire need of it,

the homeless. While trying to explain his new found goals, Michael explains to an ex-coworker, "I've found a calling" (Grisham 154). This conflict within, which Michael has

learn the dedication of Michael. One critic, Tom DeHaven, speaks of this dedication, "Michael's transformation from a careerist attorney to a zealous champion of the poor." (2) He will not let anything stand in the way of achieving justice for his new people.

other hostages survived, but their assailant did not. This sparked the middle age man with a crumbling marriage and a great future ahead of him to stop and think. Was it time for a change; what did Michael really value in this life?

The twisted tale of Grisham's Street Lawyer takes place in Washington D.C. in the present time, starting with Michael Brock being employed by a huge law firm called Drake & Sweeney. And ending with Michael in a run down firm for the homeless called the 14th Street Clinic. Michael thinks while riding with his colleague, Mordacai Green, a

Literary devices such as theme, motif, mood, and setting all contribute to the aura and complexity of this twisting tale. Yet throughout, Michael struggled to find himself, to realize who Michael Brock really was. "Grisham speaks to the real conflict many people face today of trying to maintain a balance between their personal values and the demands of an intensely competitive workplace." (3) In the end Michael discovered he was at home in the streets of Washington fighting for well fare and child support. Thus showing how confronting society's harshness, martyring yourself for the good of others is an important aspect to our civilization.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Drake Sweeney, Sweeney Michael, Micheal Brock's, Washington DC, Michael Mordacai, Brock Grisham, University Mississippi, John Grisham, Sweeney Michael's, Michael Brock, drake sweeney, street lawyer, michael brock, sweeney michael, drake sweeney michael, justice people, struggling develop own, person vs, dc firm, advocate homeless, called drake sweeney, disgruntled homeless, called drake, standards simultaneously struggling, simultaneously struggling develop,
Approximate Word count = 1666
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)