When ambition meets the law, how far is too far?
In every courtroom drama, there’s usually a clear hero and villain. The lawyer in the spotlight is either a noble crusader for justice or a ruthless shark chasing money. But in real life, and in Robert M. Morgan’s provocative new novel Personal Injuries, those lines blur quickly.
At the heart of the novel is Steve Win, a freshly minted lawyer who rebrands himself for billboard fame and enters the personal injury world with stars in his eyes and dollar signs in his heart. His goal? Win cases, build his empire, and make serious money. But in chasing that payday, he finds himself bending ethics, manipulating clients, and eventually, whether he realizes it or not, selling a piece of his soul.
So, it begs the question: What would you do for a big payday?
Ambition vs. Ethics in Law
There’s nothing wrong with ambition. In fact, in the legal world, it’s expected. Law school teaches students to hustle, to outthink their opponents, and to “win” at all costs. But what happens when that desire to win overtakes the duty to do what’s right?
In Personal Injuries, Steve doesn’t start out corrupt. He’s clever, driven, and desperate to rise above his humble beginnings. He takes shortcuts. He stretches the truth. He signs clients by any means necessary. And, like many real-world lawyers, he learns fast that justice isn’t always the priority, profit is.
Morgan uses satire to reveal how easy it is for a young attorney to lose perspective. From fraudulent marketing tactics to shady partnerships with organized crime, the novel doesn’t hold back. It shows how fast the line between legal strategy and personal compromise can vanish.
The Culture of Winning
One of the book’s key insights is that the legal system rewards results, not ethics. Personal injury law, in particular, thrives on settlements. Lawyers are paid a percentage of what their clients win, so the more cases they close, the more money they make.
But this culture of winning turns people into numbers. Clients become files. Injuries become opportunities. And lawyers? They become marketers, not advocates.
“This job isn’t about helping people,” one character tells Steve. “It’s about winning. You’re playing chicken with the insurance companies.”
That line hits hard, and it reflects the real pressures many attorneys face.
A Mirror for the Profession
Morgan’s novel isn’t just fiction. It’s a mirror held up to a legal industry that too often confuses success with integrity. While Personal Injuries is filled with dark humor and outrageous twists, it’s also a cautionary tale for young lawyers entering the field. Ambition can build a career. But unchecked ambition, fueled by greed, can destroy everything in its path.
Whether you’re a law student preparing for the bar, a practicing attorney, or simply a fan of legal thrillers, Personal Injuries asks you to wrestle with the same question Steve Win faces: Is winning worth it if you lose yourself in the process?
The Takeaway
Ambition drives us forward. Ethics keep us grounded. The tension between the two makes Personal Injuries not just a smart legal thriller, but a story that sticks with you long after the final page.