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The Legal Journey of Bill Gipson Bill Gipson is a bus driver for the Swank Transport Company. A number of years ago, when Gipson was walking to a restaurant from work, Michael Sawyer, an old intimate friend of his, stopped and offered him a ride. They had not seen each other for several years since Sawyer had moved to another state. They carried on a warmly talk as Sawyer drove. Suddenly a car ran through a red light and struck Sawyer’s car, whose driver is William Tord, a resident of an adjacent state. All the three individuals are badly injured and were taken to hospital. Miserably Sawyer died from injuries received in the crash a week later. Several days after the accident, Gispson’s boss, David Swank telephoned him. During their conversation, Swank said that he had learned that the police had found about an ounce of heroin under the front seat of Sawyer’s car and were going to charge Gipson with possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. Swank also stated that the company had made a decision to fire Gipson that morning. There are at least two legal disputes involving Gipson that could arise out of this situation: 1. A dispute among Gipson, Tord, and Sawyer’s estate regarding liability for the accident; 2. A dispute between Gipson and the government regarding the criminal charges. I. Liability for the Accident Gipson underwent substantial injury as a result of the crash. He could ask damages from the person who was liable for the accident. Was Sawyer at fault? Tord? Was each of them jointly and severally liable? Gipson hired Adrian Neff to represent him. Once Gipson signed the retainer, Naff could later enter an appearance and then become the attorney of record. The attorney then clearly explained that some factors should be considered before deciding on the forum. Gipson might be able to bring the suit in several places: (a) in a state trial court where Gipson lives, (b) in a state trial court where Tord lives, (c) in a state trial