Roderick Misely wants desperately to pursue a career as a lawyer. He needs only to find an attorney mentor with whom to "read the law." But a scandal that unfairly sullied the family name has caused an absolute drought in apprenticeship opportunities. Instead, Misely is eking-out a living as a "consultant" in the late 1950's economy of small town Elk Neck. He's looking for any sort of job that will place him in close proximity to the legal profession. But a career of advocacy may not entirely suit Misely's disposition. As it turns out, Misely is out for himself. And let his clients and adversaries, alike, beware.