Offices of Savoy and Savoy, Attorneys at Law
The law offices of Savoy & Savoy are the epitome of taste and class in a refined business atmosphere. Shades of white and silver and eggshell are accented by modern works of glass and sculptural art. A creme-coloured marble-topped reception desk leads out into a comfortable, spacious reception area, the furniture clean, modern and elegant. A large set of double doors set directly behind the reception area leads into the managing partner's office, and a hallway that runs parallel to the business front leads off to a series of other offices as well as to the private law library housed within.
It's afternoon, three to be precise, and the office is, for the moment, quiet, Desiree working at reception as she usually does, the phone queue light enough that she's doing her other work in between. But there are the sounds of voices in the background, and most of the staff are in to work. Business as usual, all things considered.
—-
The interview isn't scheduled to begin until three fifteen, but the punctual over-achiever in Sean drives him to appear at the firm a quarter of an hour earlier. After all, being unemployed, it's not as though he has anything better to do with his time. Dressed in a professional suit, though a bit ill-fitting, as though he has recently lost a considerable amount of weight and hasn't had the resources to tailor the suit to his new specifications, the tall, blonde man peeks into the office, a folder tucked beneath an arm. Gingerly, Desiree is granted a faint smile as he approaches her. "Ah, hello? I'm Mr. Miller, I just wanted to check in now. I believe I have an interview in a little bit?"
—-
Desiree looks up, favouring the early arrival with the winning smile that has made her such an asset to the firm, among other things. "Of course, Mr. Miller. A pleasure to meet you." She sets aside the case files that she's been working on, and allows a hand to indicate the waiting area. "If you'll give me a few moments, I'll let Miss Savoy know that you've arrived." Which she turns to do, keying in the inhouse number, "Miss Savoy, Mr. Miller is here for his interview. Yes, of course." She disconnects the line and looks back to the young man, "Miss Savoy will be with you shortly. Please make yourself at home."
—-
Sean nods his head, favoring the woman a slightly more enthusiastic and confident look before he glances over to the waiting area. "Will do. The pleasure is all mine, by the way. Thank you very much, and have a great day, hm?" With this, the man straightens himself up, nervously straightening up the red-and-silver tie that is looped around his neck before retreating to one of the indicated seats. Once there, all Sean can do is sit in a prim fashion - clearly uncomfortable.
—-
It's only about a five minute wait, before the main office door opens, and Mignonette steps out, leaving it open behind her and stepping towards the reception area, "Thank you, Desiree," is the woman's soft comment to her paralegal, as she moves to approach the young, well, relatively speaking, man waiting there. he gets a once over, as she walks, but whatever she might think of his dress, it's not shown on her face. Her voice is warm, engaging, as much her demeanour as the accent, and she steps forward to offer her hand, "Mr. Miller, thank you for agreeing to come in and meet with me."
—-
The moment Sean notices the door swinging open, he practically jumps to his feet, waiting almost unnaturally stiff in his spot for confirmation that Mignonette has emerged to address him. When his suspicions prove correct, a little bit of his tension slips away, and his smile becomes less harried. Even in light of her once over. Professionally, he takes her hand into his, giving two firm pumps. "Miss Savoy, I presume? I hope you don't mind me being early - I didn't want to cut into any previous engagements, but I supposed it would have been better then showing up late, right? Anyway, thanks for taking the time to look over my application and contacting me in the first place! I was admittedly excited when I received the summons. I've been doing some research on the side, and the practice seems like quite an appealing place to work for."
—-
"Mignonette Savoy, yes. A pleasure to meet you in person, Mr. Miller." Mignonette's handshake is just as professional, and she allows you time to collect yourself, before she steps to the side, hand gesturing towards her office, "Please, go ahead and make yourself comfortable." She'll allow him to lead the way back into her office. "I prefer to work with people who plan ahead for any eventuality. The ability to think on your feet is certainly one that will prove a useful one at this office. And I thank you for the compliment. Savoy and Savoy has always made it their mission to be a firm that places equal focus on its clients and on its employees." The office is standard, for a well, managing partner. A nice desk, a meeting table and comfortable chairs, a coffee and sundries station to the side, a small seating area with a television on the wall and a small built in stereo system. All around the desk are built in bookcases filled with journals and hard bound law books. On one of the walls, her degrees are hung. A BS in Social Work 1999 and a JD from Columbia 2002.
—
Stepping forward, a bit uncertain at first but with growing confidence, Sean leads the way into the office, immediately moving towards the more comfortable looking of the guest chairs. Sitting, his casts his head around to peer at the woman, a bit of curiosity flashing in his light-colored eyes. "Ah, certainly, certainly. A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link, after all." He reasons easily enough, allowing his eyes to travel towards the degrees hanging on the walls. Immediately, his expression brightens. "You went to Columbia?"
—-
Mignonette allows you to settle in, and rather than join you immediately, she goes to the coffee station, "Can I make you something to drink? We have coffee and tea, water and soda, if you prefer that." for herself, she makes a cup of coffee, setting it onto a saucer, before she looks over to you to see if you'll be taking anything, "I did. I believe I attended after you graduated, however." She doesn't seem to be in any sort of rush, allowing you to take in the office and get a bit more settled in your skin, as it were.
—-
"Ah…perhaps a cup of black with two sugars? Just to warm me up a little?" Sean offers a little sheepishly, offering the woman a shrug of his shoulders. "Huh. It's a small world, isn't it? It's nice to find another alumnus, though. I would call it fate, almost…" Ahem. Slowly, he lifts his hand to run through his hair idly. "I don't suppose that'll give me an advantage over the other applicants, hm?" It's a tease, his attempt to make light of the situation.
—-
Mignonette's laughter is a light thing, the amusement genuine, as she turns back to fix your coffee, black, two sugars, as you requested. Once she has both finished, she carries them back over to the desk, setting yours down, before she places her as well, moving around to settle into her chair, "Fate…perhaps. An advantage, well, we'll see." Once she's settled into her seat, she pulls your file over, though she keeps it closed, "So tell me a bit about yourself, what drives you. Why you chose the law." A beat, "Hungry?" It is late afternoon, after all.
—-
Sean is polite and appreciative when he accepts his drink from the desk, a 'thank you' escaping his lips. The reality of her laugh seems to further put the elder man to ease, and with a pleased smile, he proceeds to cool off the liquid before hazarding a sip. "Mhmm. That's really good," he compliments, his eyes flying up to meet with hers. "Tell you a bit about myself…alright. I'm a New Yorker. Born and raised in Rochester. My father was an investment banker, my murther a registered nurse, and really, my childhood was easy. We were well off, and I had the support of a loving family every step of my life. But…not everyone was quite so blessed, I noticed. It's stupid to think of now…but I first got into a…a passionate affair with justice when I was in high school. A classmate of mine was unjustly discriminated based on his choice of clothing. As a class, we appealed to the city courts, and the case was ruled in my favor. That's when…that's when I realized that I could really make a difference, you know? For all those people that weren't as fortunate that I was. That's when I realized why the founding fathers saw fit to create this country."
There is a pause here, followed by a charming smile. "Now…if you don't mind me asking, I admit, I'm curious as to why you're in this profession?"
—-
Mignonette leaves her coffee to the side, for the time being, settling into a more comfortable position at the desk. She's both attentive and engaging, as she listens. Clearly, despite the fact that the question is rather standard for an interview, she actually seems interested in the answer. "You have a different upbringing to mine, certainly. The Savoy family has made law its business for generations. I'm always interested in getting the perspectives of people who were not raised as I was." A nod, and an answering smile at the last, "A good beginning. Which will be of use to you, if you come to work for us. As you likely know, we take a wide variety of clients, those in good standing in society and those who have had trouble. But we treat all of them equally. No matter a person's background or history, everyone deserves the best representation that our system of law can provide." A moment, and she continues, "I read in your file that you worked for Burges and Boor. What can you tell me about your experience there?"
—-
Sean might add something self-depriciating about how the 'best' representation is also contingent on how much money the clients have, but he decides that the interview is not a time to comment about how at odds representation and fairness can be. Instead, he clears his throat, nodding sympathetically as she shares part of her story and sipping at his coffee. "Mhmm. Burges and Boors, yes. Well, I enjoyed my stay there. Granted, it was the only law firm I've worked at since graduation, but they were fair and equitable. My boss was a compassionate man, and he allowed me to flourish under his watch, giving me challenging cases to work on. He was…a mentor of mine. But, my life in New York was over. I needed to find a path for myself outside of the reach of my family, you know?"
—-
Again, that light, bright laughter, "Having spent my life in a family that lives where it works, as it were, I can certainly sympathize with the feeling of wanting to strike out on your own, to find your own way." Mignonette finally sips her coffee, briefly, before she sets it aside, "You wanted to strike out on your own, and yet you chose to apply at a company that is built on family and family values. That's an interesting choice." A beat, before she continues, "Do you have any reservations about the types of clients we may be called to represent? Keeping in mind that we do not discriminate in any way, up to and including species?" Clearly she means it to mean, yes, we do take vampiric clients.
—-
At this point, Sean's easy smile disappears. Uncomfortably, he shuffles in his spot, his brows furrowed darkly. Shy, he casts his eyes to the floor, before summoning up the courage to look up to Mignonette with his jaw clenched tightly. "To be honest? I would be…uncomfortable, working with vampires. I…have had a few negative experiences that I'd rather not relive. But, if you required me to, I would do my best to deal with them as professionally, judiciously and fairly as I would any other client." He's not going to gloss over his discomfort, apparently.
—-
Mignonette nods, seeming pleased with the answer, rather than the opposite. "Thank you for your honestly. Truth to tell, given their volatile natures, I would rarely allow another member of my staff to serve as council for one of their species, though you might be called on to assist me with research or court filings. There is an element of danger in almost any case, as I'm certain you know. But it is not our policy to ask others to do for us. As the managing partner it is my responsibility to protect you and everyone who works for me." She takes a moment, and another sip of coffee, before she continues, "Now, why don't we turn the tables a bit. What is it that you would like to ask me?"
—-
Sean seems quite relieved now that he has gotten this off of his chest - especially considering the fact that he figured it'd be the one deal breaker about. Her response, however, puts him at ease, and he even offers a faint laugh. "I was so worried you wouldn't like that answer," he admits then, smiling warmly to Mignonette. "Uhm. What's my questions? Well…I'd like to start off easily enough." Another sip of the coffee is taken, and he appraises the woman behind the desk easily. "What's the mission statement for this law firm. And I mean honestly, what's the goal?"
—-
Mignonette returns the smile, before she shifts in her seat, retrieving her coffee, as she waits for the questions to come in. "You were honest about your feelings, as well as willing to work through them to see the job done, if it was required. We have no vampiric clients at the moment, but I will not rule it out." She lifts a hand, "And, in case you had planned to ask, I neither like nor dislike them, and i recognize the potential danger they pose. I have met a few, certainly, but I do not have the fascination some seem to have developed for them and for their lifestyle." Coffee, again, before she turns to answering your question, "To serve the people. To uphold the law. To fight for justice. To make certain that everyone who comes to our door receives the best representation it is within our power to provide, regardless of their ability to pay."
—-
Sean nods then, also looking quite pleased. "That's all I wanted to know, really." He admits, easy and calm. "So many law firms treat our profession as something to be withheld for money. That's…not how I feel about the law. At all. Justice should be served regardless of their fiscal situation. Anyway…if you don't mind me saying, Miss Savoy, I'm really, really pleased to be here right now."
—-
"I'm glad that our philosophy meshes so well with yours. I think you would be an asset to the firm. Though I should be clear, there are a few things that we do require of those who come to work with us. As an established firm with a reputation to be upheld, there are certain…elements of decorum and presentation that we require." A pause, as she looks to your suit. Which, despite the cut, is well, a bit too large on you. Still, her expression isn't judgmental. "And I don't mind you saying, Mr. Miller. It's the chairs. Extra comfortable, so once you sit down, you don't want to leave."
—-
Sean blinks, looking down to his clothing thoughtfully before blushing in a visible manner. Uncomfortably, he lifts a hand to straight at his cout and his tie. "I, err, understand. And I apologize for my appearance, really. It was…this was my best-fitting suit…" Beat. "I…err…recently lost quite a bit of weight, and…" Beat. "I promise I wont…well. I'll buy a new suit, thank you." He only manages to offer a half-hearted laugh when she jests about the chair. "It is quite springy…great lumbar support, too."
—-
A shake of her head accompanies Mignonette's shift in expression. She genuinely looks contrite, "My apologies, Mr. Miller, that certainly could have been more delicately put. I have been nothing but impressed with you, and the comment was intended to be a general one, not one that indicated my own opinions. I'm sorry, perhaps I should have been more upfront, Mr. Miller. A moment." She looks away from the interview, pulling a folder out of the file drawer in her desk, replacing it with the one that seems to be about you. She unfolds it, "This is the compensation package we're willing to offer you should you choose to work for the firm." Spinning it around, she slides it over in your direction, and it's clear that everything is already in order. "You'll have your own office, it's the second one down on the right, if you'd like to see it now, and access to the library, of course. We work with a pool of paralegals in the office, but Leslie will be handling the majority of your cases." She pulls out a pen, indicating the appropriate lines. "Your monthly compensation, as well as your expense account, will be made available to you immediately. If you need assistance with your living arrangements, I can recommend a few reputable real estate agents, and the expense account should handle that." She takes a moment, before she releases the contract for you to look over, "Forgive me?"
—-
Sean merely nods, looking over the contract with a faint smile, thrusting himself into the intricacies of the legally binding agreement to get over his slight mortification. "Sounds brilliant." He offers, running his hand over the paper reverently as he reads even the fine print. It's only then that he glances up to peer at Mignonette. "Forgive you? For…oh! Oh, right." He even lets out a faint laugh, smiling dryly. "You're forgiven. It's nothing at all, and you had every right to make that request. I was…you know. I can't help it, being embarassed. At least a little." And with that sheepish admission, he shrugs to her. "Oh…do you have a pen I could sign…?"
—-
Mignonette hands over the pen, as you request, but it comes with a shake of her head, "You had no need to be embarrassed. You presented yourself as professionally and intelligently as I could have hoped for. I'm afraid I was only thinking of making certain that we removed any outward limitations that might cause someone to see you for anything less than you are. I want all of my employees to have the best support and advantages that my firm can offer them." She rises from her seat, "Thank you, for not judging me too harshly." She takes her cup with her, carrying it over towards station to put it in the tray to be cleaned later.
—-
Sean lingers a bit longer in reading the post script before moving to pen his signature to the paper. It is with a happy sort of flourish, a flourish that follows when piece of mind is achieved. With an actual job, Sean Miller's life is looking up. He makes his way to his feet then, canting his head to the side to smile at Mignonette in an exceptionally warm, amiable fashion. "No, thank you, Miss Savoy. Thank you so much, for this opportunity. For believing me, and giving me a chance. So…call it even then?"
—-
"I've been in the family so long…I suppose I sometimes forget that not everyone that I work with is a relative." The smile is returned, as warmly, before she offers, "Mignonette. We are going to be working together, after all. Or Coco, if you prefer." She steps forward, to meet him, "Shall we take a tour of the office and make sure that you're happy with where we'll be putting you?"
