In Uptown Lawyer: Law and Crime Book, author Richard L Collins continues the successful formula of his previous two novels, which were based on hypothetical criminal and civil court cases. His main character and namesake, Robert Collins, is a successful and high-powered defense attorney, based in cosmopolitan San Francisco. His 24/7 practice offers a unique service at a hefty cost to his generally upmarket clients, although Collins's motivation is not money. He seeks the truth and in turn insists on client honesty as a prerequisite to him representing them. The book takes readers through a wide variety of incidents, cases, and clients. He is supported by his multi-talented associates in the fight against corrupt politicians, a crumbling police force, egotistical and unprofessional lawyers, plus a host of interesting clients and underworld villains. He asks searching questions about truth and justice in America, where the highest-paid and most ruthless lawyers often win. Political interference in the legal process is scrutinized, as well as the creeping brand of socialism which he feels is pervading America. He decries the liberal notion of the sanctuary city which provides a haven for criminals. The book reflects much of what is wrong in modern society, but brings hope in that some are still fighting for truth and justice.

Although written as fiction, the Uptown Lawyer series deals with real-life situations. Richard Collins tells it as it is, from an unapologetic and well-reasoned personal perspective. His punchy writing style echoes the straight-talking and confrontational approach of the legal profession during litigation. The diverse characters are skilfully portrayed and I particularly admire his courage in boldly introducing a fictional pop icon in the form of Michael Johnson, who bears a striking resemblance to a real-life character with the same initials. The trial was surrounded by controversy and the events leading up to a not guilty verdict are critically analyzed. That particular case enjoyed widespread publicity at the time and drew diverse reactions. Collins's approach is characteristically uncompromising and the inevitable comparisons will be made by readers. A refreshing touch is his collection of classic V8 muscle cars, one of the few distractions from his work. Legal practice is not a world for the faint-hearted, but Robert Collins is up to the task, despite harassment, intimidation and an arrest for a minor traffic violation. Readers who enjoyed Richard Collins's previous books will be sure to welcome the follow-up.

Uptown Law: A Study of Criminal Law in the Real World follows the demanding daily life of Attorney Richard. L. Collins - including the investigation process to prepare a winning defense. Richard is on a mission to bring integrity, truth, and honesty to the legal system while defending and protecting innocent victims. With the help of his staff, Richard goes above and beyond the call of duty and makes himself available 24/7. Lucy is Vice President, in charge of IT and Lead Investigator. Kathy runs the office operations. Paula and Laura are full time attorneys. Investigator Pete is an ex-LAPD detective. Lizbeth is an electronics whiz. Being a man of principle, Richard does not waver from his mission to find the truth, to expose crime and corruption, no matter how high he has to climb the ladder to achieve his objectives.

Uptown Law gives the reader a whole new appreciation for what lawyers and attorneys have to go through on a daily basis to represent their clients. It is not just a matter of gathering evidence and preparing for court, they also put their lives in danger when dealing with criminal activities and have to sift through mountains of information in search of the truth. The amount of work involved is astronomical and takes an enormous amount of knowledge and skill. Recruiting the right people is what can make or break a law firm. Uptown Lawyer is thoroughly researched and well written. Richard Collins does a fantastic job of documenting all the cases in this fascinating book. Overall, a great read highly recommended to all adults.

The life of a lawyer is never easy. You have a sworn oath to represent your client’s best interests even if it means bending the facts. But there are also lawyers who follow their own moral code as their guiding principle to provide what is best for their clients. In Uptown Lawyer: Law and Crime Book, author and lawyer Richard Collins presents a collection of his true-to-life experiences as a criminal defense attorney. He searches for the truth and impresses on clients that all he wants is the truth and he will not continue to defend them if he finds his client is lying to him. Similarly, he will not enter a plea if he is not given the truth. It’s a noble principle that is rare among defense attorneys, and it causes him to have problems with the State Bar of California.

They say that truth is stranger than fiction. I would also like to add that it is also more compelling. Richard Collins is not on a crusade to change the judicial system. He is simply one lawyer who makes the most out of his sworn vocation by interpreting the law in a way that will work in his favor and provide his clients with a true defense. These actual tales are powerful in the sense that they make you rethink and evaluate the meaning of justice. At the same time, they can provide inspiration for law students who enter the field because they are lured by the prestige and earning power of the profession. Collins’s experiences in representing clients are enlightening case studies. I was particularly drawn to the case of Michael Johnson whom Collins represented in a molestation case. It is an example of how Collins doesn’t conceal his feelings about the judicial system, taxpayers' money, and the right to bear concealed arms. Uptown Lawyer should top the list of your must-read list.