Howard Hamlin quotes from Better Call Saul

Howard

Thank you for gathering. I have some bittersweet news to share. I’m sorry to say that our fearless leader Charles McGill will be leaving HHM, effective immediately. I want to take this moment to thank Chuck for everything he’s done for HHM. We started off with six employees, and Chuck helped us grow into one of the largest firms in the state. We will be forever grateful for his dedication.

Jimmy

You have meddled with the primal forces of nature, Mr. Hamlin, AND I WON’T HAVE IT!

[over the speaker phone] Do you want me to call security?

Kim

It’s okay, Brenda. We got it.

Jimmy

[to the other HHM partners] Hey, Jack. Hey, Nate. Hey, Aaron.

Howard

What can we do for you, Jimmy?

Jimmy

I'm sorry. It’s... It’s this table. [walks to where Howard is sitting and shows him a ripped-up check] You can tell me what this $26,000 is supposed to be for.

Howard

That’s money for Chuck. Isn’t that what you wanted?

Jimmy

A measly 26 grand? [scoffs] Jesus, you’re like Peter Minuit with the Indians. Throw in some beads and shells while you’re at it.

Howard

It's just a start, there'll be more. [pause] Unless you’re just gonna tear them all up.

Jimmy

And why was it made out to me? Why not Chuck?

Howard

Can he make his way to the bank? [pause] I just assumed it was best to have the money go through you. We can do it any way you want.

Jimmy

This isn’t going away, Howard. What Chuck did for this firm–and damn near single-handedly, one-third of this place–belongs to him. What do you got, twelve chairs here? Four of these chairs are Chuck's. [points at table lamps] You got five of these light thingamajigs? One and two-thirds are Chuck's! Yeah, six... How many danishes, six danishes?

Howard

You can have all the danishes you want, Jimmy.

Jimmy

No, no! They’re Chuck’s danishes! And he isn’t greedy, so he’ll just take two... plus $17 million. In that ballpark. I mean, we’ll know once we get the accountants poking around here. Until then, no penny ante checks trying to make it look like Chuck still works here. He doesn’t. He never will again. It’s time to do right by him and cash him out.

Howard

So these are Chuck’s own wishes that you’re conveying?

Jimmy

This is what's best for him.

Howard

So he personally told you that it’s his wish to withdraw from the firm? [beat] See, that would surprise me.

Jimmy

It's been nearly a year since he stepped foot in here. I’m just doing what’s in his best interest.

Howard

So am I. And I, for one, believe he’s gonna lick this thing. Until then, his office is just how he left it. His secretary’s still on payroll. If Chuck can call this an extended sabbatical, then so can we. He’s that important to us.

Jimmy

You know what? Let’s let a jury figure it out. [sighs; sarcastically] They’re gonna love you, Howard. You’re so down to earth! And relatable!

Jimmy

AND YOU... WILL... ATONE! [pause; everyone stares at Jimmy] It’s Ned Beatty from Network. For Christ’s sake, guys. [walks out]

Jimmy

Your Honor, I'm a humble solo practitioner, merely trying to ply my trade in an aggressive and evolving marketplace.

Howard

As I've argued repeatedly, this is trademark infringement. Mr. McGill's new logo is an absolute copy of ours.

Jimmy

I think it falls firmly under fair use.

Howard

Fair use? You're clearly profiting, so fair use doesn't apply.

Jimmy

It—There are only so many fonts out there. Does Mr. Hamlin outright own them all?

Howard

No, but we've been using this particular font for 12 years now, and it, in concert with our tri-rectangle graphic and Hamlindigo Blue, constitutes a trademarked brand identifier.

Jimmy

Whoa, whoa. Back up. Hamlindigo Blue?

Howard

Yes. That is our trademarked name.

Jimmy

Holy crap. You seriously named a color "Hamlindigo"? That is... yikes.

Howard

"Yikes"? From the man dressed exactly like me. Your Honor, I feel like I'm in the mirror routine with Groucho Marx, like we should be standing, waving our arms at each other.

Jimmy

Really? I don't see it.

Howard

In addition, the name McGill appears in both logos, which, I believe, Mr. McGill is hoping to further confuse potential clients.

Jimmy

So I can't advertise under my own name now? I'm to be penalized 'cause I happen to share a name with one of HHM's partners? You can't take my name from me.

The name is not the problem here, Mr. McGill.

Jimmy

Uh, Mr. Hamlin certainly seems to think so. I mean, he wants me to change my name 'cause he claims that-that—what—it's some kind of threat to his business? Your Honor, this is restraint of trade, okay? Whatever happened to the free market, huh? No, Hamlin here wants you to tell—

Okay, okay, I've... Enough. Mr. McGill, I've heard enough. Alright, yes, you are within your rights to advertise using your own name. However, in my estimation, the billboard clearly and intentionally duplicates elements of the Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill logo. You're actively copying their established brand for your own gain. I don't see any other reasonable explanation.

Jimmy

Your Honor, I—

Jimmy, Jimmy. Wise up. The billboard must come down within 48 hours.

Howard

Jimmy... Jimmy, I'm just gonna say it. You're not working here.

Jimmy

What are you talking about? You said this case is a slam dunk.

Howard

Yes. We want the case, we don't want, um... the case is all we want.

Jimmy

You gotta be–you're serious? I walk in here with a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit on a damn platinum platter, a case that I found, that I made happen... and you don't want me?! Why in Christ not?! Well, I know that you hate me, Howard.

Chuck

Jimmy–

Jimmy

I'm fine. You better believe, feeling goes both ways, but I'm willing to set that aside to work with you on this. Why can't you do the same for me? What is it that you can't let go of, huh? What slight did I make to your fine, upstanding character that you can't forgive.

Howard

A majority decision has been made by myself and the partners–all due respect to you, Chuck. We are not interested in taking any new associates into the firm.

Jimmy

Bullshit! New associates?! Someone walks in with a case like this, you beg them to be partner! Tell me why! You didn't want me then? Okay. You don't want me now?! Explain it!

Chuck

Howard, I don't know what to say. I am very disappointed, I really think you should reconsider.

Howard

I'm sorry, but no. I think it's best if Jimmy takes the of-counsel fee. We could probably up it a bit. Keep in mind, you will be well compensated in the back end. It's easy money, Jimmy. No reason not to take it.

Jimmy

Go to hell, Howard! I'm not giving you my case. And I'm gonna tell every one of those clients what a lying miserable pig fucker you are. I will burn the whole thing to the ground before I give it to you!

Howard

The partners have made a decision and the why is not your concern.

Kim

I think it is my concern.

Howard

And why is that?

Kim

Because he's my friend. And the way I see it, you're not treating him fairly.

Howard

"The way you see it?"

Kim

I don't know what image you have of him, past or present, or whatever he did or said, but Jimmy is a good lawyer. And he works very hard.

Howard

Did your friend send you in here to say that?

Kim

No. I'm saying it because I believe it.

Howard

Well, duly noted. Want to know what I believe? I believe that you're way out of your depth in this matter. So the next time that you want to come in here and tell me what I'm doing wrong, you are welcome to keep it to yourself. Because I don't care.

How about we move on to client outreach?

Howard

Jimmy? You still with us?

I'm gonna save you from having to brag: Over two hundred new Sandpiper clients signed over the past three weeks. Well done, Jimmy.

Jimmy

Thank you. Thanks, Cliff. Right now, we're in the process of mapping out the entire Southwest, targeting the largest Sandpiper facilities first: Phoenix, Colorado Springs, Fort Worth, Provo. Ideally, my goal–another two hundred by the end of the month. With this many folks, we have an excellent shot at a solid batch of plaintiffs for the classes in each district.

Excellent! Looking forward to the next report. Onto a stickier wicket, coordinating actions–

Chuck

Sorry, before we move on, I'd like to go back to client outreach just for a moment. Looking over these numbers here, really astonishing results, Jimmy. Incredible. Your last trip to Amarillo, you came back with twenty-two new clients.

Jimmy

Twenty-four.

Chuck

Twenty-four! I'm confused. Um, how many people out there actually responded to our direct mailer?

Jimmy

...One.

Chuck

Oh, right, yeah. A Mrs. Alma May Urbano... but you got twenty four new clients from this one response? That is... wow.

Jimmy

Well, you're welcome. I mean, what, is there a problem?

Chuck

Well, might not some parties—the opposing counsel, for example—see this differential and conclude that there may have been some solicitation involved?

Jimmy

I did not solicit.

Chuck

I'm just wondering how you account for your success, because it will definitely raise eyebrows over at Schweikart & Cokely. [to the room] I'm sorry, but it will. Particularly in a case involving seniors, for whom the ethical guidelines on solicitation were virtually created by the ABA.

Howard

Chuck, I'm sure that— [Chuck hushes him] Jimmy, if you could clear this up, that would be helpful.

Jimmy

I went to Amarillo to confer with a client, and to make sure that we had a solid, good-faith basis for our case there, overall. As many of you are aware, I've visited more than my share of retirement homes. These are close-knit communities, let me tell ya: word gets around real fast. If Dorothy in Phase 2 gets a new Rascal scooter, it's big news.

So these other twenty-three residents, they approached you?

Jimmy

Cliff, they heard the scuttlebutt before I crossed state lines, and I certainly didn't have to go knocking on any doors. And is it any surprise that they wanna speak with a guy who was there to show them they may have money coming their way? I gotta tell ya, with all that in mind: I shoulda done better.

Makes sense. Howard?

Howard

Chuck? We good to move on?

And Chuck, not incidentally, it is absolutely vital that we dot our I's and cross our T's here—invaluable. So, thank you.

Chuck

Well, the price of excellence is eternal vigilance.

Howard

It's a simple question, Kim: Did you or did you not know about this commercial?

Kim

I—Yes. He showed it to—

Howard

He showed it to you?

Kim

Yes. A few days ago.

Howard

And you didn't say anything, to anyone?

Kim

No. I didn't.

Howard

You didn't think I deserved a heads-up?

Kim

I didn't realize—At the time, I didn't think it was necessary.

Howard

Well, you were wrong about that. We were caught flat-footed in front of our co-counsel, which I don't need to tell you does not reflect well on HHM. Or on you. [long pause] That will be all. You can go.

Kim

Again, thanks for taking the time-

Howard

You can just go ahead and rip off the Band-Aid. I have a pretty good idea why you're here.

Howard

So, you're going with Schweikart & Cokely?

Kim

I'm sorry?

Howard

I heard through the grapevine.

Kim

I'm not going to another firm. I'm starting my own. I figured I'd try giving it a go as a solo practitioner.

Howard

[relaxes] Well, I, uh... wow!

Kim

I realized it was something I needed to do.

Howard

The week Jimmy exits Davis & Main, you decide to leave us? That can't just be happenstance.

Kim

...It's not. We're gonna be sharing expenses; one office, but two separate practices.

Howard

Smart. On several counts.

Kim

Howard... I want you to know that I appreciate my time here. I'm grateful for everything you and the firm have done for me, especially the financial help with my schooling, and I'm ready to write a check for the remainder of the loan. I just need accounting to get me that figure.

Howard

No need. Our gift to you.

Kim

...I don't know what to say. Um, thank you.

Howard

You earned it. Tell you the truth, I'm kind of envious.

Kim

Really? Why?

Howard

Something about a fresh start. Back in the day, right out of law school, I thought long and hard about hanging up my own shingle.

Kim

Oh, yeah?

Howard

Yeah. Oh, I was ready to take on the world, make a difference. [pause; smiles] Dad talked me out of it - wanted me to join the ranks here, throw another H in the firm's logo. [pause with smile frozen on his face] Things work out the way they're supposed to, I guess.

Howard

Kim, I want you to know that I always pushed you harder because I knew that I could expect more from you. Good luck to you.

Kim

[pause; shakes Howard's hand] Thank you.

Howard

Get me Kevin Wachtell at Mesa Verde, cancel everything I have lined up this morning.

Kim

Hi, Paige! It's Kim. Yeah, hi, just checking to see that we're still on for lunch on Monday. Great, and Kevin too? Good. Well, before we meet, there's some news you need to know about.

Chuck

Well, I expected a round of documents an hour ago. You know we've got a filing coming up.

Howard

I know, Chuck. It's very possible... it's likely that we're losing Mesa Verde.

Chuck

Losing them?! We just got them! Why, where are they going?

Howard

They're going with Kim Wexler. She left the firm.

Chuck

Kim left? Oh, Howard... well, where is she going? Is it Rich Schweikart? Or did Reeves and Green get her?

Howard

No, not another firm. She's going into private practice.

Chuck

What?! Well, that's completely... how is she going out on her own? Why is she going out on her own?

Howard

Well, the "why" is the why. The "how" is that she's pooling her resources... with Jimmy.

Chuck

...Kim and my brother, partners at law. [shakes head] He's Svengali. The man is Svengali.

Howard

At any rate, back to Mesa Verde: I'm gonna try one last Hail Mary. Chuck? Mesa Verde?

Chuck

Yes, listening.

Howard

I managed to get a meeting with Kevin Wachtell. He's coming in this afternoon, but compliance law is not my strong suit. So, if you have any details, any arguments, bullet-point them for me now, because I've got about an hour before I have to get back. [Chuck starts walking away] Chuck? I really need your help here!

Howard

Chuck? Are you okay?

Chuck

I'm going to that meeting.

Howard

Chuck, I don't know if that's a good idea.

Chuck

I can do it! Force of will, and I've been getting better.

Howard

I know you have, but the message that we want to send-

Chuck

I know the message! That we appear professional and not crazy! I'm going to the meeting, and the lights stay on. Everyone keeps their phones. Everything stays, for lack of a better word, normal. I will make it through.

Chuck

Don't worry. I'm not here to extol the virtues of HHM. I'm guessing you've already had to suffer through Howard's hard sell first time around. So you've done your time, as far as I'm concerned.

Howard

What hard sell? It was enthusiasm. I gave them cookies.

Kevin

Cookies were good, as I recall.

Chuck

No, I'm here to put your minds at ease. Kim Wexler is, indeed, the right choice to handle Mesa Verde. She's the obvious choice. She's young, she's brilliant, she's going places. Let's face it, Howard. She's the future. Two old guys like us, we're the past.

Howard

Well, that's a sad thought.

Chuck

Sad but true. [sighs] Banking law... needs to be exciting. It needs the next generation to come along and give it a big, old kick in the seat of the pants. Really wake it up. Let me tell you how boring I am: I read FEC and ISO reports for entertainment.

Howard

He does. I can attest to that.

Chuck

Well, I try to stay up on things. The rules are changing all the time. With everything that's happened with Enron and WorldCom, the government is extra vigilant. These days, the penalties for even the most honest of errors can be devastating. You need a sharp, young eye to catch that stuff. I mean, when you've specialized in this kind of work for decades on end, you tend to get kinda...

Howard

Stale.

Chuck

Stale. You get stale. You forget about things like, oh, I don't know, the Community Reinvestment Act. Any bank such as Mesa Verde looking to open a de novo branch is definitely going to need to show a healthy portfolio of CRA compliance. Duh. [chuckles] Obviously, you guys have all that covered, I'm sure. Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act... there's another mouthful, huh? Boring! Still, if you were to run afoul of it, it could hold you up in court for years. And by the way, uh, if that were to happen to you folks as you go forward without us – which it will not – um, Howard has contacts at the Fed who could help sort things out.

Howard

[breezy] One or two.

Chuck

Mm-hmm. And then there's the SEC's interpretation of Section 302 of Sarbox. Blah, blah, blah! [chuckles]

Howard

Well, navigating that correctly could mean savings of several hundred thousand dollars.

Chuck

They know that, Howard. [Howard chuckles] Oh, I apologize. When you reach your golden years, you tend to get a little long-winded, ramble on and on about details. My point being... your bank is in excellent hands.

Kevin

Look, I take your point. I do. But I have to say, I have complete confidence in Ms. Wexler.

Chuck

You should. She was part of our team. She learned from us. You won't find better than Kim Wexler. But no matter how talented one individual may be, the needs of Mesa Verde are too big to handle alone. I wouldn't handle your coming expansion alone... which is why you should consider, once again, enlisting a team of professionals.

Chuck

Mr. Commissioner? Is there something we can clarify?

Uh, yes. Could you give us the address of the proposed Scottsdale branch again?

Chuck

Certainly. It's 1216 Rosella Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85262.

1216? Okay, because the application I'm looking at today clearly gives the address as 1216.

Chuck

1216. That's correct, sir.

But in the original submission, we're seeing 1261 Rosella Drive.

Kevin

[to Chuck] It is 1261.

Paige

1261.

Chuck

[ignoring them] I think if you double-check, you'll see that 1216 is correct.

There seem to be two different addresses here.

Paige

Mr. Commissioner, I have a copy of our notice of intent, which was published in newspapers in Arizona and New Mexico. It clearly states the address is 1261 Rosella Drive—

Chuck

Mr.–Mr. Commissioner, it-it—

1261 Rosella Drive. Yes, I have a copy of the notice of intent too. But on the actual filing, the address reads 1216. So, which is it?

Chuck

[beat] Mr. Commissioner, if I may confer with my clients?

Certainly, please.

Paige

[to Chuck] It's absolutely 1261.

Chuck

You are mistaken. And with all due respect, you're muddying the waters here.

Paige

Muddying the wat—?! [hands documents to Chuck] Look. Just look!

Chuck

Well, this is clearly an error.

Kevin

It's 1261. I know where my own damn bank is.

Howard

Now, let's just all calm down. I'm sure we can straighten this out—

Kevin

I've got a building remodeled at 1261 Rosella. I don't know where the hell 1216 is.

Chuck

I–I don't quite unders... [realizes] 1261?

Paige

1261.

Kevin

Is this going to be a problem?

Howard

No, I'm sure it won't be.

Chuck

Um, Mr. Commissioner, I apologize. Unaccountably, there appears to be a discrepancy in our filing.

So the correct address is the one that appeared in the notice of intent, the 1261?

Chuck

It would seem so. Uh, it-it-it—We'd like to request an–an adjournment of just a few minutes so that we can amend the filing to reflect the correct address.

Well, I-I can give you an adjournment, uh, but... I don't think we can get you back in today.

Paige

If I may, when do you think you might be able to schedule us?

I'm being told by staff that they've already done the research for 1216 Rosella Drive. Our folks are going to have to go back to square one on the new address.

Chuck

If we could obtain a provisional agreement today, to allow the branch to open—

No, no. With all due respect, it's up to you folks to submit accurate paperwork. Maybe next time, double-check.

Howard

I don't even know where to begin... but yes, I believe you. Your brother is one world-class son of a bitch. No offense. I just really wish you'd told me about these plans of yours before you went out and did it.

Chuck

I know, Howard, and I regret misleading you. It's just that a certain vérité had to be established.

Howard

I'm not talking about the heart attack that you nearly gave me. Chuck, this tape... I'm not sure exactly what it accomplishes. Look, you know evidentiary rules better than I do, but a secretly recorded tape with a problematic chain of evidence? You're gonna have a hell of a time getting that admitted.

Chuck

I agree.

Howard

And if you somehow put it in front of a jury, Jimmy'd call a dozen audio experts, say that voice isn't his, say the tape had been edited.

Chuck

He would, indeed.

Howard

Are you thinking about playing this for Kevin Wachtell at Mesa Verde? Because as much as I would love to, that ship has sailed. We're never getting them back, regardless.

Chuck

Oh, I doubt we could even get in the door over there.

Howard

Chuck, if that tape is useless in a court of law and no help in the court of public opinion, what's the point? Because I can't think of a single use for it!

Chuck

I can.

Chuck

What's up?

Howard

Chuck, this has been going on for eight days now, and really no indication that it's going to work.

Chuck

It will work.

Howard

I think I've been very patient. But the cost of these round-the-clock private investigators is really starting to add up.

Chuck

Howard, this is our duty as officers of the court. We have an ethical obligation to–

Howard

Yes.

Chuck

My brother broke the law. We can't just sit back and do nothing!

Howard

I'm not talking about doing nothing. I just want to...free up our minds, and be open to alternate strategies. Please, meet me halfway here.

Chuck

[sighs] I suppose... I suppose we can limit the investigators to just nighttime hours.

Howard

Nighttime?

Chuck

Yes. Jimmy will most likely break in while he thinks I'm sleeping. I mean, I wouldn't put anything past him. It just makes the most sense he'll try to steal the tape under cover of darkness.

Howard

You really think he's going to do that?

Chuck

I do indeed.

Howard

How can you be so sure?

Chuck

Howard, I know my brother.

Jimmy

Chuck! Chuck! Open the goddamn door, Chuck! Open the door, dammit! Open it, Chuck!

Chuck

Jimmy, go away.

Jimmy

Open the fucking door! Open it now!

Chuck

I'm not opening the door. I'm not opening the d–

Jimmy

I swear to God, Chuck!

Chuck

Jimmy—Jimmy!

Jimmy

YOU TAPED ME?! YOU ASSHOLE!

Chuck

Jimmy!

Jimmy

You PULLED THAT HEARTSTRINGS CON JOB ON ME?! YOU PIECE OF SHIT! "Oh, my brain used to work, I'm sick, I don't know what to do!" Asshole! No wonder Rebecca left you! What took her so long?!

Jimmy

There it is!

Jimmy

Here we go! Here we go! Here we go!

Jimmy

Oh, is this it? Is this it? Is this it? Huh? For this, you destroyed our family? Are you happy now?! For what?! For nothing!

Jimmy

Is that all there is, Chuck? Is that all there–all there is, or did you make copies? Huh, Chuck? Huh?! You tell me or I'll burn this whole goddamn house to the ground!

Howard

Jimmy! Jimmy! That's enough!

Howard

You need to step away.

Chuck

[shaken] Howard? You were a witness to what happened here?

Howard

I was.

Chuck

[to Dave] And you?

I'm a witness.

Kim

I’m putting you both on notice regarding the bar hearing. First thing, I’m filing a motion to suppress that tape.

Howard

The tape that Jimmy destroyed, you mean.

Kim

How about we stop with the games. There’s no way there isn’t a duplicate.

Howard

Really?

Kim

Of course there is. You knew Jimmy was gonna break in–you wanted him to. There’s no way you were gonna let him destroy the only copy of that tape, so you made a duplicate. It’s the first thing you did.

Howard

Kim, this is not how we do discovery.

Chuck

Actually, Jimmy destroyed the duplicate. [Howard is about to say something] Oh, it’s fine, Howard. [to Kim] The original is under lock and key, and in due time it will be put into evidence for your review. So, of course, file whatever motions you’d like. It’s your privilege.

Kim

I will. Count on it.

Chuck

But Kim, you should be aware–because I think this will be your first disciplinary hearing–the Bar Association standard of proof is far more lenient than what you’re used to. Motions aside, that tape will be played.

Howard

Chuck. [takes Chuck by the arm] See you, Kim.

Jimmy

Well? [walks in step with Kim] What?

Kim

[pause; smiles] Bingo.

Howard

How are you feeling, Chuck?

Chuck

I'll muddle through.

Howard

Because this is a lot to ask, and if you're not up to it, just throwing this out there: Maybe you don't need to testify at all.

Chuck

No, I do. I'm the only person who can adequately explain the context of that tape, otherwise the defense will tear it to shreds.

Howard

It's already a solid case. We have Jimmy's statement from the Pre-Prosecution Diversion, there's my testimony and the private eye's... maybe there's no need to put you through the wringer like this.

Chuck

…This isn't about me, or my health. This is about PR.

Howard

We lost a client. That happened because while you were... incapacitated, your brother accessed documents that should have been secured at HHM. What Jimmy did is unconscionable, yes, but one of my jobs is to safeguard the firm's reputation.

Chuck

This is not the time to worry about how we look! This is about what's right and what's wrong. I'm not going to risk Jimmy getting- what, a year of suspension, maybe two? He deserves disbarment, not some slap on the wrist. No, Howard. There's only one way forward. "Let justice be done, though the heavens fall."