Erin Brockovich (2000)

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The preeminent paralegal movie.

Julia Roberts stars as an unemployed single mother who becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply. Surprising true to fact, this film was nominated for 5 Oscars (including Best Picture), winning Roberts the award for Best Actress for 2001.

This film deals with the importance a paralegal can play in even the largest and most complex of litigation cases. In fact, it shows that in some cases a paralegal's initiative (or lack thereof) can be the reason a case succeeds or fails. Remember, this is a true story and the role of the paralegal has not been exaggerated.

Your Assignment
Watch the movie and consider the themes and questions presented below. Even if you have seen it before, take time to watch it again from the viewpoint of a paralegal-to-be.

Major Themes
Paralegal duties; toxic waste litigation; class actions; binding v. non-binding mediation.

Relevant to this Segment

1. Was Erin's use of her appearance appropriate in obtaining a job? In obtaining information from witnesses? Did she cross a line or was she just being herself?
   
   
2. Was it appropriate for Erin to pursue interviews with potential clients? In terms of the ABA's rule prohibiting solicitation, were those interviews ethical?
   
   
3. Is Erin referred to as a legal assistant or as a paralegal? Is there a difference?
   
   
4. Look for the blonde waitress serving coffee to Erin in the restaurant. That waitress is the real Erin Brockovich.

Alternate Film

• The Firm (1993) with Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, and Holly Hunter (Best Actress Nomination)

Additional comments will be provided at the end of this Segment.