The Lincoln Lawyer

“Over the years, I had become knowledgeable in the subtle distinctions, regional and otherwise, in rap and hip-hop. Across the board, most of my clients listened to it, many of them developing their life strategies from it.” 

Mick largely represents clients that come from the inner city of Los Angeles. Listening to rap music, the same music that most of his clients listen to, helps him understand their mentality and why they make the choices they do. Mick refers to some of the rappers as poets who capture the true experience of growing up in the ghetto and how difficult it can be to break free from that lifestyle. This music helps Mick be more empathetic toward his clients, and the novel’s frequent references similarly help the reader. 

“The law was a large, rusting machine that sucked up people and lives and money. I was just a mechanic. I had become expert at going into the machine and fixing things and extracting what I needed from it in return.” 

Mick concludes that the legal system is corrupt and unfair to his clients, especially as they come from backgrounds that set them up to live a criminal life. As a defense attorney, he cuts many corners and often breaks the law in order to help his clients. In the beginning of the novel, he justifies his behaviors by thinking of himself as a mechanic that can fix the problems within the corrupt system.

“Much of society thought of me as the devil but they were wrong. I was a greasy angel.” 

Mick is aware that he fits the stereotype of a corrupt defense attorney who represents the worst possible clients. He often defends drug dealers, thieves, prostitutes, and gang members.