Member-only story
Bad Jobs: Delivering a Subpoena
Back in the 80’s, I met a lawyer at a friend’s barbecue in San Francisco. He shared a story about a restaurant owner in Ghirardelli Square who was not paying his vendors. The lawyer was retained by a food supplier who was owed nearly $100,000. The law firm tried serving the restaurant owner with a summons but the owner was evasive. In one instance, the owner chased off a process server with a cleaver.
I asked the lawyer about the pay rate for delivering a subpoena. He said it was typically $100 but in this case they were offering $400.
“And if the subpoena is not delivered?”
“Then you get bupkis,” he said with a laugh.
I asked if I could give it a shot.
“Have you delivered a subpoena before?”
“No. But I could use the cash.”
I met the lawyer the following Monday in his 4th floor downtown office with a glorious view of the Bay Bridge. He explained the rules for delivering subpoenas. In California, the paperwork had to be physically handed to the recipient. I was not required to say anything but he suggested I utter three fateful words: “You’ve been served.” Afterwards, I was to return to the law offices to file an “affidavit of service” confirming details of the delivery. At that point, I’d be paid.
