Betrayal of Trust: Sex and Power in Professional Relationships

I was referred to attorney Jeff K. by a girlfriend who was divorced three-and-one-half years earlier. Jeff had gotten her a fabulous settlement and I was scared to death about facing my husband, Dave, in court. When I didn't jump at his first offer of half the house and nothing else, Dave hinted that he might try to take my children away. When I heard about how Jeff always got what he wanted for his clients, I knew that I desperately needed him to take my case.

When I first met Jeff I was immediately struck by his smooth and gentle manner. He gave me the impression that he absolutely knew what he was doing and that he cared about getting good results for his clients. I was delighted when he agreed to take my case. He asked for $2,500 up front, which my girlfriend told me was the usual "retainer." I didn't know exactly what that meant but I assumed it at least meant that he was stuck with me. I certainly felt a lot better knowing that Jeff was handling the divorce.

Thinking back, one thing that surprised me was that a couple of times Dave's lawyer inquired about a reconciliation and both times Jeff immediately dismissed the possibility, without asking me what I thought or

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