Week 2 EOC: Erin Brokovich

Erin Brockovich scored a lump sum of money for finding out information on a job she was hardly qualified for. Also, she manipulated people into giving her access to information that others were denied access to. This was not the correct way to go about things. Erin and Ed Malry's law firm tackled a multi-billion dollar corporation, "After nearly four years in arbitration, the Hinkley case was settled behind closed doors for $333 million - the largest direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history." It would seem as if true justice was served for the people of Hinkley. However, the law firm acquired 40% of that $333 million. The question lingers, was justice really served for the people in the small town of Hinkley ? Some might say, “Why complain? The people got money.” I say, maybe the people could’ve gotten more money. Perhaps, some of the 2.5 million Erin received for a job she was not for qualified for could’ve been used for the people of Hinkley. However, I must admire Erin’s drive and dedication to exposing the truth. "Erin’s persistence paid off, and in 1993, 634 Hinkley residents hired Masry & Vititoe to sue PG&E."

The law firm also hired on Erin’s lover as the stay at home nanny for her children. This freed her up to be able to pursue the case as aggressively as she did. However, I find that odd that a law firm would take pay for the personal aspects of Erin’s life. Then again, Erin Brockovich was one of a kind. It all started with a car accident. Her ambition earned a paycheck that covered her car accident and some.  Was her misuse of sex appeal right? No, but it is the lesser of two evils since the residents of Hinkley got money they deserved for the problems caused by PG&E. Her story is one that inspires and it turned into a film with a star studded cast." Santos-Shamberg envisioned the movie version of Erin’s life as 'Rocky' in a mini-skirt, and in 1995, Jersey Films paid Erin $30,000 for her life rights.When completed, the screenplay was immediately sent to noted director Steven Soderbergh. Soon, Julia Roberts signed on to portray Erin, and the movie got the green light. But this wasn’t the only good news that would catch 37-year-old Erin by surprise. She also found out she had earned a $2.5 million bonus from the Hinkley case."