The Paper War

The Rainmaker

The Black case escalates through motions, discovery disputes, and sanctions, turning paperwork into both a weapon of delay and a route to evidence.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Motion to Dismiss A Motion to Dismiss from "The Rainmaker". The Case Challenged A Formal Attack Great Benefit seeks dismissal through a lengthy brief, while Rudy struggles to answer arguments from a far better-resourced…

A Motion to Dismiss from "The Rainmaker". The Case Challenged A Formal Attack Great Benefit seeks dismissal through a lengthy brief, while Rudy struggles to answer arguments from a far better-resourced…

The Case Challenged A Formal Attack Great Benefit seeks dismissal through a lengthy brief, while Rudy struggles to answer arguments from a far better-resourced firm. Judge Harvey Hale appears inclined to remove the case from his docket. A Tactical Offer Leo F. Drummond offers $75,000 after the judge signals danger. Rudy sees the offer as evidence of concern but must still decide what best serves Dot and Donny Ray.

A New Judge and a Schedule A New Judge and a Schedule from "The Rainmaker". The Case Gets Moving Kipler Takes the Bench Tyrone Kipler replaces Harvey Hale and reviews the case with a different attitude toward plaintiffs and corporate…

A New Judge and a Schedule from "The Rainmaker". The Case Gets Moving Kipler Takes the Bench Tyrone Kipler replaces Harvey Hale and reviews the case with a different attitude toward plaintiffs and corporate…

The Case Gets Moving Kipler Takes the Bench Tyrone Kipler replaces Harvey Hale and reviews the case with a different attitude toward plaintiffs and corporate delay. Rudy asks for an expedited schedule. Time Ordered Kipler fast-tracks discovery and sets the trial. The schedule is especially important because Donny Ray may not live long enough to testify in person.

Witnesses Disappear Witnesses Disappear from "The Rainmaker". Discovery Disrupted Missing Employees Rudy arrives at Great Benefit headquarters to find that three named witnesses have left the company.

Witnesses Disappear from "The Rainmaker". Discovery Disrupted Missing Employees Rudy arrives at Great Benefit headquarters to find that three named witnesses have left the company.

Discovery Disrupted Missing Employees Rudy arrives at Great Benefit headquarters to find that three named witnesses have left the company. The claims file is missing the insulting denial letter as well. Sanctions Follow Kipler orders Rudy to depose the available corporate designee and threatens consequences for concealment. He later requires senior executives to appear in Memphis and charges the company for Rudy’s wasted trip.

A Deposition at Home A Deposition at Home from "The Rainmaker". Evidence Preserved A Difficult Setting Drummond resists moving Donny Ray’s deposition from Rudy’s office to the Black home, though the young man is too weak to…

A Deposition at Home from "The Rainmaker". Evidence Preserved A Difficult Setting Drummond resists moving Donny Ray’s deposition from Rudy’s office to the Black home, though the young man is too weak to…

Evidence Preserved A Difficult Setting Drummond resists moving Donny Ray’s deposition from Rudy’s office to the Black home, though the young man is too weak to travel. Kipler intervenes and attends. A Witness Recorded Donny Ray answers questions before a camera under a tree in the yard. The deposition preserves testimony for the jury and places his frailty within the evidentiary record.

The Cleveland Production The Cleveland Production from "The Rainmaker". One Last Discovery Fight Late Information Great Benefit delays producing claims statistics until the judge demands them.

The Cleveland Production from "The Rainmaker". One Last Discovery Fight Late Information Great Benefit delays producing claims statistics until the judge demands them.

One Last Discovery Fight Late Information Great Benefit delays producing claims statistics until the judge demands them. The printout arrives too late for a comfortable review and proves difficult to interpret. A Continuing Contest Kipler threatens contempt and fines, compelling the company to comply. Each ruling narrows the defense’s ability to hide behind delay, but the process consumes time and energy.

the first hearing before Harvey Hale

after Harvey Hale dies

during the October Cleveland depositions

Saturday the 29th

the week before trial