As Chapel Hill attorney Jim White enters his office, he passes a huge picture in his lobby of a scene from the 1982 film “The Verdict” starring Paul Newman. When he decorated his lobby, he said he eschewed corporate art and instead selected a scene from this movie.
“I realize it’s not the first movie that comes to mind when you think ‘lawyers in film.’ But Newman’s character is fascinating. He’s an alcoholic lawyer who pushes a hopeless case to trial against a hospital and a large insurance company, ultimately getting a large verdict,” said White.
“Sure there are other pictures I could have chosen. Newman’s character is flawed and complex and there is much about him not to like. But in the end he’s a role model – someone willing to take on big interests even if the odds are against him. I look at it and remember that sometimes the biggest obstacles we have to overcome are inside us.
“A good reminder to have when I walk into the office,” he added.
I look at it and remember that sometimes the biggest obstacles we have to overcome are inside us."