Jake Lassiter
Created by Paul Levine

After graduating from the Penn State University, JAKE LASSITER went on to a short and inauspicious pro football career as a linebacker. Encouraged by a cheerleader (and future mob wife), he attended law school. After squeaking through, he was hired by a Miami firm, mostly because of his notoriety, and the novelty of being the best football player practicing law in town.

A hard-core wind surfer and fisherman, Jake has a problem with authority. He frequently squares off in court against a colourful assortment of lawyers from the Dade County 's DA's office. His gram, a moonshine-producing environmental rights activist, raised him. His sidekick is sixty-something retired coroner and practitioner of Latin, Dr. Charlie Rigs. Who may or may not have something going on with Lassiter's grandmother. His Harley-riding, hair colour-changing secretary 's one-liners keep his ego in check as does his ability to almost fall in love and get dumped.

Jake's not an ambulance chaser by any stretch, but given the shadiness of his clientele, his liberal code of conduct, and his own often-imaginative interpretation of the law, sainthood is out of the question. And sometimes, well, he just rubs people the wrong way. As he puts it, "I'm a beer and burger guy in a quiche and white wine world."

The Lassiter series has developed a strong following, and Levine has made sure his fans aren't disappointed, delivering a new book annally. There was even a TV pilot made (alas, unsuccessfully), with Gerald McRaney woefully miscast as Jake. Remember now, Jake's a man who supposedly played professional football. As a linebacker, no less. Sure, McRaney was the Simon brother who could fight, but pro football? I don't think so!

UNDER OATH

• "Paul Levine is guilty of master storytelling in the first degree.... lawyer Jake Lassiter keeps you guessing, smiling, and turning the pages as fast as you can."
  (Carl Hiaasen)

NOVELS

• To Speak for the Dead (1990).. Buy this book
• Night Vision (1992).. Buy this book
• False Dawn (1993).. Buy this book
• Mortal Sin (1994).. Buy this book
• Slashback (1995).. Buy this book
• Fool Me Twice (1996).. Buy this book
• Flesh and Bones (1997).. Buy this book

TELEVISION

• JAKE LASSITER: JUSTICE ON THE BAYOU
  (1995, NBC)
  Originally aired January 9, 1995
  Based on characters created by Paul Levine
  Teleplay by Paul Levine
  Directed by Peter Markle
  A Stephen J. Cannell Production
  Starring Gerald McRaney as JAKE LASSITER
  Also starring James Sikking, Tracy Scoggins, Daphne Ashbrook, Robert Loggia

RELATED LINKS

• Booktalk: Paul Levine: Award-Winning Legal Thriller Author
  A profile of author Paul Levine, creator of Miami lawyer/PI Jake Lassiter, includes a message from the author, descriptions of his books, and the capability to order his books online.

Report respectfully submitted by Beeper. Thanks to Bluefox808 for the word to the wise.