In the Name of the Law

The lead character in this scorching first novel by Lachman, a TV news producer, is counselor Jimmy Janos. In his New York City practice, Janos profits by operating scams, mixing with mobsters and bent cops, and always flouting upright members of the legal community. When he defends the Sick Assassins, a youth gang, the district attorney and his minions become fanatically set on having the maverick disbarred. The Assassins have been caught in the hospital where they murdered a patient, a doctor and the most revered lawyer in the metropolis, Emil Frank. As the narrative rushes forward, Janos is shown in contrast to other criminals, some highly respectable citizens, and his deeds become startlingly understandable. A few scenes here are too strong for the squeamish but the story, a plea for a focus on victims' rights, rather than on overprotecting the accused, is truly gripping. (Jan.)