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John Grisham brings a money-hungry lawyer to center stage in 'The Widow'

Nov 13, 2025
Bestselling novelist John Grisham, a former attorney, dives into his latest thriller, 'The Widow,' featuring a small-town lawyer tempted by greed. He discusses how Simon Latch’s routine will for a wealthy widow spirals into a web of unethical decisions. Grisham reveals why he portrays lawyers as flawed characters, despite their altruistic efforts in public interest. He also shares insights on his disciplined writing routine and the allure of legal dramas that captivate audiences, along with a humorous lawyer secret for escaping tedious meetings.
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ANECDOTE

Small Fee, Big Temptation

  • John Grisham describes a small-town lawyer who earns $250 to draft a simple will and discovers the client is secretly very wealthy.
  • The lawyer's loneliness and lack of family spark his greed and lead him to take unethical actions.
INSIGHT

Why We Read About Bad Lawyers

  • Grisham says honest small-town lawyers prevail, but readers prefer drama about corrupt lawyers and scandals.
  • That appetite for dramatic legal wrongdoing fuels much of legal fiction and public fascination.
INSIGHT

Lawyers Do More Good Than Harm

  • Grisham affirms that despite portrayals, lawyers do far more good than harm in society.
  • He highlights public interest lawyers and nonprofits as examples of the profession's positive impact.
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