My original post was that I like him a lot less because of how sleazy and unethical he is here, so that still stands. I think he did a really gross thing.

You're assuming a lot about them that wasn't shown. I'm not assuming she's stupid, I'm assuming she would want to look out for her own self-interest and therefore wouldn't feel fully able to reject him lest she lose his representation in the future.

And I've repeated several times why I think it's unethical to hire her even after he is no longer representing her.

Who will probably be fairly useless.

Nah, not really. D/s usually would happen in a much longer term relationship because it takes a lot of negotiation. S/M could just be a one time thing.

It would depend on the S&M relationship. Are you maybe thinking of D/s relationships, where power dynamics are part of the play?

Yes, street prostitutes in NYC typically have the power to hire any attorney they want.

Wait, why would S&M make it different if it was consensual? I'm very confused by that being brought up at all.

Because as her lawyer, he is in a position of power over her. That power doesn't magically go away the second the trial is over.

No, but in my mind there's a power differential there that isn't okay to use no matter what. It's a weird comparison, but it's similar to me to a professor sleeping with a student he still grades or who is in the same grad program. It's a line you don't cross.

Jesus christ. That is not my objection and implying that I'm a prude is laughable. He represented her. Hiring her afterwards is completely unethical.

It's not hiring a prostitute I object to. It's using the services of a prostitute that you've represented. It's unethical at best, coercive at worst.

I'm not sure what point you're trying to prove. Using the services of a prostitute that you represented is extremely unprofessional and coercive.

That scene with the prostitute makes me like Stone a lot less.

That does sound amazing! I hope the library gets that book to me soon. I think there's only two people ahead of me in line.

Not everyone likes it, but I really loved Set This House in Order.

I've got the Valenti on my library loan list. Did you hear about her withdrawing from online life? So depressing.

Yes she fuckin' is!

Nah, her humor is there but it's serious, silly, and sarcastic by turns, not all at the same time.

I would add Lindy West's Shrill to this list. Great feminist book full of righteous anger, insight, humor, and grace.