Are You Crazy? He's only an Intern Lawyer?-Chapter 29 - Zhang Hui Seeks Help, The Chief Lawyer Comes to Me

From the jury box, Zhao Qingyan leaned in to ask.

“Uncle Zhao, don’t talk nonsense.

How could I do such a thing?”

Zhang Wei smiled and hastily whispered a denial, “It’s just a coincidence that I happened to meet Zhang Hui, my senior sister, and talked to her a bit, and then, by a huge coincidence, she ran into the defendant in the elevator, and all she wanted to do was talk to herself a little, how can you say that I coached the defendant?

I’ve had no contact with the defendant outside the court!”

Upon hearing this explanation, Zhao Qingyan smiled inwardly, but tried to keep a serious expression on his face.

This Little Zhang, he indeed thinks outside the box, yet you can’t find any faults in what he does.

Truly meticulous, without a single leak!

Not only the questions posed during the trial but also the advice he gave to the defendant for their closing statement impressed Zhao Qingyan.

Now, he turned his attention to the defendant on the stand, who was delivering his closing remarks.

“Actually, that day I attended a funeral and happened to wear a black suit.

On my way back, I met a friend who asked me to take her to a court trial, and I agreed without thinking much about it.”

“I remember every single detail of that trial, my friend was facing a civil lawsuit, she had no money to hire a lawyer, and the prosecuting lawyer’s questions were very aggressive.

She could hardly speak under his questioning, and in the end, I just had to stand up for her.”

“At the end of the trial, my friend won the case.

I couldn’t believe that I had actually won, that I had beaten the opponent in court.

My friend thanked me, and when I saw the genuine smile on her face, I knew everything I did was worthwhile.”

“Strangely enough, someone from the bench also faced charges during that trial.

It was a traffic accident case, and he approached me after the trial to ask for my defense.”

“After that, more and more people came looking for my help…

I kept telling myself that a lie is just a lie and that the truth would come out one day, but when I saw those helpless gazes, another voice in my heart spoke up.

Just one more time, even if just to help them out once again…”

“As a result, I helped more and more people, and similarly, the number of people visiting me also increased.

Eventually, I lost track of how many people I’d assisted.

But I swear, I didn’t provide legal advice to make money from them; otherwise, I wouldn’t have only charged 25 Yuan an hour.

I helped them because they needed assistance, and I was the only one who could.”

…

Thirty minutes later, the closing statements concluded.

At the judge’s signal, the jurors entered the conference room to deliberate the verdict.

Inside the conference room, the jurors gathered together.

“Mr.

Zhao, you’re a professional, what’s your opinion?”

“Don’t keep quiet, everyone, why don’t you all give some input?”

“Let’s all provide input, but who wants to start?”

“How about we let Mr.

Zhao begin?

After all, he’s an important figure, and we’re just ordinary folks, aren’t we?”

“Exactly, Mr.

Zhao, you work at Blacksmith Technology, a big company.

We believe you have more insight and perspective than us, so this time, why don’t you decide?”

Zhang Wei could tell that several jurors were indecisive, all looking for Zhao Qingyan to make a decision.

Although Zhao Qingyan, as the foreman, had the authority to announce the result, the deliberation was a collective effort of all the jurors.

Naturally, Zhao Qingyan would never run a one-man show.

He looked at Zhang Wei beside him, “Little Zhang, you study law, why don’t you give your uncle some advice?”

“Ah, this…”

Zhang Wei didn’t want to speak, knowing that doing so could potentially affect the outcome of the trial.

But feeling the eyes of the other jurors on him, he decided to offer some guidance after all.

“Everyone, before making a decision, allow me to explain briefly.”

“First, we need to consider the person accused; are the actions he took good or bad?”

Zhang Wei paused, then when everyone was looking at him, he continued, “Obviously, the deeds he did were good, but the methods he used weren’t allowed by the law.

The law can’t tolerate evil, but it can tolerate good deeds.

You all understand this, right?”

The jurors instinctively nodded their heads.

Although many people had no clue what Zhang Wei was talking about, nodding along seemed like the right thing to do.

Zhang Wei could tell that this group of people really had few opinions of their own, and even many of them were thinking about wrapping up the case quickly so they could go home to eat.

He chuckled inwardly, then suddenly changed the topic, “However, this does not cover up the fact that he violated the rules.

If we find him not guilty, wouldn’t that be condoning such behavior?”

“Exactly, exactly, the young man is right,” someone immediately agreed.

“But, as I said just now, if doing good deeds leads to punishment, then who would do good deeds in the future?

So, if we find him guilty, wouldn’t it kill the enthusiasm of others to do good deeds?”

“Uh…” The person who had just agreed was suddenly at a loss for words.

He looked at Zhang Wei with a confused expression on his face.

How come this guy isn’t playing by the rules?

He’s changing his position so quickly that I can hardly keep up.

Zhang Wei continued, “Lastly, I want to clarify the significance of this trial.

What do you think is the significance of this trial?”

When Zhang Wei threw out the question, everyone apart from Zhao Qingyan looked at each other in confusion.

Fortunately, Zhang Wei hadn’t expected this group to come up with an answer anyway.

One of the jurors noticed the awkward silence and hurriedly said, “The purpose of this trial is because of that fake lawyer, right?”

“That’s just the surface!” Zhang Wei shook his head.

“The real purpose of this trial is because Dongfang Capital Procuratorate’s Office lost a lawsuit to the defendant, so they investigated the defendant’s background.

As I pointed out in the trial, this trial is the other side’s counterattack against the defendant, and we are merely tools for the Procuratorate’s Office to exact revenge!”

“If we find the defendant guilty, wouldn’t we be helping the Procuratorate’s Office take its revenge?

Are you willing to be used by others, becoming chess pieces in someone else’s game?”

Upon hearing this, all jurors showed a thoughtful expression.

Zhang Wei’s words were very direct, but for a group of strangers, being direct was more effective.

Are you willing to be used by others?

The answer is no one wants to become somebody else’s pawn, to be manipulated, no one likes to be controlled.

“So… in this trial, should we find him not guilty?” a juror looked around and asked.

“No, if we find him not guilty, that would be too disrespectful to the seriousness of the law,” Zhang Wei shook his head.

“This…” The jurors were once again confused.

You say this, yet you still don’t plan on letting the other side off the hook?

Zhang Wei smiled and said, “It’s simple.

We adjudge his actions as non-compliant, but we do not convict him.

Besides, let him pay a little price, and everything will be perfect, right?”

“Now listen to me carefully, we only need…”

1 hour later, the deliberations were complete.

The courtroom.

Zhao Qingyan, as the foreman of the jury, rose amid the gaze of all those present and proclaimed aloud:

“Regarding the prosecution’s charges against the defendant’s series of actions, we the jurors unanimously decide not to recognize the defendant as guilty of fraud but only acknowledge slight non-compliance in his provision of legal advice to clients, therefore no conviction shall be given.

We recommend the court to sentence the defendant to 500 hours of community service and, after completing his law degree, to engage in 1500 hours of voluntary aid at a legal clinic recommended by the court!”

With the verdict announced, some were joyful, others mournful.

The prosecutor opened his mouth several times as if wanting to say something, but he couldn’t find the words.

Meanwhile, the defense and the lawyer cheered happily, their faces elated.

Because as long as there was no conviction, the defendant could continue to be a lawyer.

As for the 500 hours of community service, 1500 hours of legal voluntary aid, these could be completed just by spending time.

In the jury box, after Zhao Qingyan had finished the announcement, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Because the burden he carried was gone at last.

“Zhang Wei, you’ve shown me something, that the law has no room for sentiment, but in you, I see a true spark!”

“Uncle Zhao, what are you saying?

People who study law don’t talk about sentiment.

I just don’t like being used by others, that’s all,” Zhang Wei replied with a laugh, quickly dismissing the comment.

But in his heart, he was beginning to doubt his own actions.

The Zhang Qiansheng of the past, in his quest for victory, would use any means necessary, and certainly wouldn’t waste time and energy on such a minor case.

Would the past me have simply ignored the defendant’s fate, leaving him to fend for himself?

On the other side,

after the defendant and his attorney celebrated, they hurried over to Zhang Wei.

“Thank you, Mr.

Zhang!”

This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.

“If it weren’t for you, I might be going to jail today.

Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it, it’s my duty!” Zhang Wei’s reply was somewhat perfunctory.

“Keep it up, we have to go now!” He quickly bid farewell to the defendant, not wanting to get too entangled.

“Thank you…”

Zhang Wei ignored the defendant’s gratitude and left the courtroom with Zhao Qingyan.

“Xiao Zhang, today Uncle is in good spirits.

How about we have a meal together?”

“Uncle Zhao is treating?”

“Of course, I am your elder after all.”

“Well, that’s great!”

So, Zhao Qingyan took Zhang Wei to a joyful meal.

…

Three days later.

Dongfang Capital, City Courthouse.

Zhang Hui sat listlessly on the courthouse steps, her face fraught with melancholy and a hint of absentmindedness.

Because just a moment ago, a client she represented had been arrested by the Dongfang Capital Martial Association across cities.

The person taken away was now accused of murder, as a victim from a recent assault case he had confessed to participating in had suddenly died, and was charged by the Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters with involuntary manslaughter.

Thinking back to when she herself had advised the client to confess, and now facing 3 to 7 years in prison, her mood couldn’t have been worse.

Furthermore, acknowledging that it was not the Procuratorate’s Office but the prestigious Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters that brought the charges, Zhang Hui felt utterly defenseless.

The Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters was not just any branch office—it was the peak fighting force of the entire Southern Judicial Circle.

Even the top lawyers from the Top Ten Law Firms would get cold feet upon learning that their opponent was the Procuratorate Headquarters.

And her, Zhang Hui, just a rookie attorney, a newly certified assistant lawyer – how could she possibly stand against such a formidable power.

“If I had known this would happen, I would have never advised him to confess!”

Zhang Hui truly felt out of options now, unless a miracle occurred, but even within her own firm, it was unlikely that anyone would help her.

The attorneys of Yongjie Law Firm rarely took on criminal defense cases and, if they did, most were settled out of court.

They all feared confronting the Procuratorate Headquarters in court.

But as Zhang Hui was lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice a familiar figure descending the steps of the city courthouse.

“Lawyer Zhang, I never thought you’d secure an acquittal for me.

I am so happy.

By the way, please forgive the things I said initially.

Although you haven’t got your license yet, your skills are outstanding.

In the future, if anyone says you’re not up to par, I’ll be the first to disagree!”

“I recall you’re the only one who’s said my skills were lacking.”

“Hey, those were just words said in a huff because you’re so young.

And without a license, if my case wasn’t pro bono and I wasn’t assigned a lawyer, I really would have looked for a new one.

But not changing lawyers was the wisest decision I’ve made in years; otherwise, I wouldn’t have witnessed your talents!”

“Stop with the flattery.

Just make sure you live properly from now on.

Even though you didn’t steal anything, you should ask yourself why the Martial Association singled you out as a suspect right away.

If you were clean, would they have caught you so quickly?”

“Yes, yes, Lawyer Zhang is right.

I will definitely live better from now on.

I’ll be off now.”

“Go on, I’m going back to see if I can pick up another case to pass the time.”

“Of course, you’re busy, very busy…”

A man with a sneaky look dashed past, and Zhang Hui looked up somewhat confused.

She had a nagging feeling that she recognized the voice of that Lawyer Zhang.

“Yo, isn’t that Senior Zhang Hui?

What are you doing sitting at the entrance of the city courthouse?

It’s December, and it’s so cold.

Can your backside handle it?”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hui finally realized who the “Lawyer Zhang” was.

She quickly got up and headed to the person behind her.

“Zhang Wei, what are you doing here?”

“I have nowhere else to go but here,” Zhang Wei said, spreading his hands in a gesture of helplessness.

“We law students can’t take up any judicial profession before we get our practicing certification.

Judges, prosecutors, lawyers, notaries, arbitrators (of the legal kind), we can’t serve as any of them, not even as legal consultants.

The only thing we can really do is be a public defender.

So, I come to the city court to take on pro bono cases.

Nobody wants to do these cases much, so I treat it as community service,” he explained.

“Public defender, you took on a pro bono case!” Zhang Hui nodded in understanding.

“So, about your case…”

“Of course I won!

These past few days, I’ve only taken this one case.

I went up against someone from the Procuratorate’s Office and got an acquittal for the client.

But to be honest, the prosecutor’s level was just so-so, not much of a challenge for me.

Just like the senior sister in the mock court back then…”

As Zhang Wei spoke, a look of disdain crossed his face, but he quickly realized something was off with his words.

The person he was using as an unfavorable example was right in front of him.

“Ahem, senior sister, please don’t take it personally.

It was just a figure of speech…”

“Zhang Wei!” Suddenly, Zhang Hui’s expression turned extremely grave, making Zhang Wei’s heart flutter.

“Let me treat you to a meal!”

“Ah???”

A few minutes later, at a nearby fast-food restaurant.

Zhang Wei grabbed the burger in front of him and bit off a third of it in one go.

“I’d almost forgotten how long it’s been since I had this stuff.

I really miss those days as a junior lawyer, busy and fulfilled, satisfied with just a bite of a big burger at lunchtime!” he mused as he ate.

“But weren’t you still uncertified?” Zhang Hui looked puzzled from across the table.

“Ah, I was a lawyer in my dreams,” Zhang Wei quickly covered up, but then glanced at the burger in front of Zhang Hui.

“Senior sister, why aren’t you eating?

And you look like you’ve got something on your mind.

You didn’t really want to just treat me to a meal, did you?”

A twitch formed at the corner of Zhang Hui’s mouth, wanting to laugh but finding it impossible to do so.

“Junior brother is right, I’ve lost my appetite.” Saying so, she pushed the burger across to Zhang Wei.

Zhang Wei didn’t stand on ceremony and immediately brought the burger to his lips.

“Spill it, senior sister, what do you need help with?”

“I, I would like you to help me with a case…”

Thinking of what she wanted Zhang Wei to do made Zhang Hui somewhat hesitant to speak.

“What case that you have to ask me for help?

The opponent isn’t simple, or is the case a bit tricky?”

“This case is not too complex, but it’s not too simple either.

The biggest problem isn’t the case itself, but the person taking it over…”

“Who?”

“It’s the Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters.

Although that prosecutor looks like a rookie, they are still a rookie from the headquarters.”

Zhang Hui lifted her head to gauge Zhang Wei’s reaction.

Seeing no change in his expression, she continued, “The opponent is the Procuratorate Headquarters.

They are too strong, I really don’t have the confidence, so I was hoping you could give me some advice.

If possible, could you help me brainstorm some ideas?

Can junior brother do me this favor?”

“Oh, I see~”

Zhang Wei nodded, then asked, “Did your client confess?”

“He did confess, but it’s not what you think.

And his confession was influenced partly by me; he actually didn’t do it.”

“So, there’s more to this case than meets the eye?” asked Zhang Wei, his expression growing more serious.

Fearing that Zhang Wei was hesitating, Zhang Hui quickly said, “If the junior brother doesn’t want to help, I can understand, but I would like you to at least give me some advice on what can be done for the client.”

“Senior sister, I didn’t say I wouldn’t help!”

Zhang Wei suddenly interjected, “But from what you’re suggesting, it seems like your defendant isn’t really at fault, am I right?”

“I’m not entirely sure, but I don’t think he did it,” she replied.

“Alright, I can help with that, but I have one condition!”

“Please speak, junior brother!” Zhang Hui’s face lit up hearing Zhang Wei agree.

Zhang Wei smiled slightly and then became serious, “I want to lead as the chief attorney on this case!”

“Ah???”

This time, it was Zhang Hui’s turn to be flustered.