Settlement Conference: Act IV

SCENE I:  JUDGE’S CHAMBERS

Judge is seated behind desk in a crowd of lawyers. “Sweet Child of Mine” plays loudly from tinny computer speakers.  

ENTER LAWYER 1 AND 2, front and center.  They sit in the last two remaining unoccupied chairs.

JUDGE

[Loudly] Okay, everyone, quiet down.  Who is ready for a conference?

LAWYER 1

Your Honor, Lawyer 2 and I are here on #49 on your list.  This case was Judge Cartwright’s case, but it was just transferred to you.  My client suffered severe injuries when a refrigerator fell on her.  She’s currently in a wheelchair.

LAWYER 2

We have reached a tentative settlement, Your Honor; we are just waiting for approval from the insurer.  As such, we are respectfully asking for a six-week continuance in order to get the money on the table.

JUDGE

Is that true, Lawyer 1?

LAWYER 1

Yes, I concur.

JUDGE

That’s fine, I will schedule the next hearing for six weeks from now.

LAWYER 2

Would you like to hear the details of our proposed settlement?

JUDGE

[Feigns self-pleasure with hand motion and facial expression]

LAWYER 1

Haha.  Did you make it to the Steely Dan concert last night?

JUDGE

Yeah, they were incredible.  I’d definitely see them again.  Super hung over right now though.

[Steely Dan’s “Deacon Blues” begins to play through the computer speakers.]

LAWYER 1

I’m sorry I missed it!  Thanks Judge.

exeunt Lawyer 1 and Lawyer 2

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