Philip Purcell

Philip Purcell was a lawyer at Legal Practise known as "The Firm" known for dealing with heart-breaking cases, including murder, assault and divorce. Purcell was known for getting to the point, which made him excellent in his profession.

Young Life
Purcell was born in Australia and he grew up playing sports, until one day he gave it up to study hard and be a lawyer.

The Firm Season 4 "A Shock Loss"
As Phil went to his office on crutches he opened the door where Ayda was waiting for him, they were both working on his case with Ayda, he said "I just don't know how someone can do this. Leave them with no money and then push for a divorce. This case has been nothing but trouble since the beginning." Ayda then said "Highly unlikely. Many people who get divorced still love each other. Marrying the person you love is a big decision. Divorcing them is another option." Phil rubbed his beard and said "So, I guess you've always known that myself and Dixie have been married.." "I've known for awhile now. You did the right thing by her. You saved her. You made her feel like she belonged." "After everything that happened with her ex-boyfriend she needed to be respected and to know that I wanted to protect her." Phil stood up and leaned over for his crutches and he went over to the coffee machine in his office. "How is that knee of yours going?" "After a 3rd opinion last night, physical therapy is the only option I am considering. No one am I having my kneecap broken and moved to where it should be. I'd rather the option where I am not on crutches for 6 months and the other 6 months learning to walk again. I cant afford that, and with my age there's no point to that." Phil came back over to the table, as Ayda was reading her own file. "What's that.." said Phil. "My medical file." Phil nodded and said "I'll let you read that. This case here, I'm throwing out. it's stupid." Phil reached for the phone and called the number "Hi, Mr Pitt. It's your lawyer Philip Purcell. This case to divorce your wife, and leave her with no money for your kids future is disgusting. And I have been discussing it with my team." Phil then said "If you still love her, you will compromise. That's what marriage is. Yes, I said it. I cant deal with these demands and you are still being charged for services. You want to know why? Charging your own wife $40k for being married to her is pathetic. As I said, you choose the person you marry. You love the person you marry and you make that choice to either remain friends or be so bitter the kids resent you. If you want to call back later with the decision." Phil hung up the phone and moved the folder for the divorce to another table. "Are you willing to tell me, what's in your folder?" Ayda turned the folder around and gave it to Phil. Phil took a look and said "This is your living will. Bunched in with your medical notes." Phil read the medical notes and put the file down before he stood up and said "Cancer? You have cancer.." "Yes.. Been fighting it for 10 years.." "Ten?" "I spent 5 years in remission, but it came back." "Can.. I ask, what type?" "Endometrial." Phil rubbed his face and said "Oh my.. I don't know what to say." "Nothing. You can only have so much of radiotherapy or chemo. Pill popping, being scared... Dying.. Losing my reproductive organs of course scared me.. knowing I'd never kids... I wasn't worried at the time the doctor said 'I'm sorry but you require an operation to remove your ovaries and tubes." Phil wiped his eyes as he said "Oh boy.. that's a lot to take in.. For anybody to take in" A knock on the door. "Come in.." said Phil. As the door opened it was Davis, Lopez and Dixie, walked in and closed the door. "We had no idea.." "You don't blurt it out in conversation." said Lopez.. Phil was sitting on the desk and passed over the files to Ayda who said "When I was first diagnosed, I got everything in order. Even when I went into remission, you'll know how easy it can come back. With a 50% chance, you take life and just live it.. I was still working, underwent chemo whilst at work and never took a day off. During that time lost half of my family in a bus crash, the other lot in a building fire.. Since then, I've been being the only one in my family to survive.. So its been hell hard, but that's what being tough is all about" As it was getting late Phil said "We need to shut down for the night and go home. I'll deal with Mr Pitt in the morning." everyone left Phil's office as Ayda stayed behind. "You have everything in order. You've paid every cent of everything you own. Take tonight and go out for a drink." As Phil left, Ayda put her papers in her office draw and she went home. Phil got home from a taxi ride, Phil went straight to bed. The next morning Phil got up and showered, had breakfast and went into work with Dixie. They were all sitting in the main desk area, when Terry said "Has anyone seen Ayda? She's late this morning.." Phil said "No.." just as the phone rang, Phil answered it "Hello, The Firm Phil Purcell speaking.. Ah hello Mr Pitt.. You came to a decision.. Well that works for everyone. I'll have the papers sent over. Alright bye.." Phil hung up the phone and said "At least that's over." Phil handed the papers over to Lopez and he signed them off as he put them in the fax machine. Another phone call, this time Terry answered it. "Hello, Terry Davis Legal. Oh, ok. thank you. No i'll tell the others..No thank you for calling." Terry hung up the phone and said "That was the hospital. Ayda's been there since late last night." "Oh no.." "They're running tests, they said to pop in later. She had her files in a folder with her when it happened.." "What did she do?" "She fainted after taking chemo medication last night. She was in respite at the time working with a client, they took her to hospital, they left she's still there." "Ah of course.." another phone call. "Phil Purcell Legal.. Mr Pitt. it was faxed to you... You changed your mind again did you? Oh shut up you fossil. You never cared about your wife. Go around again and I will personally charge you with wasting not only my time but the legal departments time as well. Mr Pitt, if you are on your 5th wife its time to stop letting your cock make those decisions, a boy dates someone he likes but it takes a man to marry that woman he fell in love with. yes I am furious with you.. you are a waste of resources. goodbye Mr Pitt." Phil slammed the phone down as he said "Shred the files.. I'd move, but my leg locked." Dixie nodded and grabbed the Pitt-file and she shredded it. The group then had the idea to suspended taking any business for the next three days, as they caught up on paperwork. It wasn't until 3pm another call from the hospital came this time more foreboding then the last. Phil put the phone down and said "Ayda's in intensive care. She's refused anymore medical treatment. They're making her comfortable, giving her morphine." Phil looked down and wiped his eyes as he said "They said they don't think she'll survive the night. We need to get down there and be by her side. We're the only family she's got left.." they all nodded as they were about to leave Phil said "Can someone carry me down those stairs? I hate having to use these crutches all the time.." everyone laughed as Lopez said "When do you get off of them?" "In a few weeks. Hopefully. Dislocating it for a third time wasn't my idea of a fun time.." "Seeing you get sedated wasn't either.." "It's not my fault alright. It wouldn't go back in and then my body had enough and it made me pass out..waking up in a recovery room isn't what you call fun.." "At least the only thing you had done was the relocation, they used a drug to relax the muscles so they put it back in when you were out cold.." "Whose decision was that.." as Davis lifted up Phil. "Yours actually. You said 'someone knock me out. my leg feels like its on fire and I cant handle it..'.. So that was on you.." Phil rolled his eyes as the group went to the car and drove to the hospital. When they got there they all walked in and to the ICU. "You guys must be the guys from 'The Firm". I'm Doctor Linda Kennedy." "This is Terry, Dixie, Phil and Lopez. What's the situation?" "She's having some tests done, so you have to wait out here, but when she was brought in she had her medical instructions with her. To contact the firm, any idea why?" "She lost her family years ago, and she considered us her family. She signed something a few years ago to allow someone power of attorney, just in case she couldn't." Linda looked at the file and said "I see that." "Dr Kennedy, if you don't mind me asking, what happened? When we left for the night she was ok, she said she was busy and then we got that call in the morning saying she was here." "The first tests came back inconclusive and every test we've ran since has come back negative. She was in remission for some time, her cancer came back and she refused to treat it the second time. She took left over cancer medication from her previous treatment." Phil looked and said "Are you allowed to do that? Is that even safe?" Linda looked and said "Cancer drugs all lose potency, by the time she took it, it was out of date. But still worked. Every type of cancer drug needs to be taken in a safe environment. She did that, she took it in a safe environment, but she fainted. When she was brought in her heart rate was low and she was sweating beyond belief. We brought her here to the ICU, because she refused anymore treatment. We are making her comfortable, but there are no guarantees." Phil looked down as he said "Thank you Doc.." Linda nodded and said she'd come back out again with news. "How does this happen.. I mean one day you're healthy the next you're fighting for your life.." Phil looked up and said "I never told anyone this, but as a kid in the cadets, someone with a weapon came into the compound and started shooting up the joint, my friend Jake and I were with 5 other people locked in the housing barracks, he was talking to me and told me that for years he'd been fighting cancer. He had leukaemia. He lied on his application and told the army he was fine. He looked at me and said to me 'this is my last fight..' and the next thing I see him do his load his sidearm, he went over to the door and stood and shouted, it was like the entire event happened in unison, he fired his weapon and so did Jake. He somehow shot the guy in the head, Jake was shot in the chest. He collapsed backward into my arms, and I just remember holding his wound.." "Did he survive?" "Nah.. No.. he didn't. the bullet ripped apart his chest and he died before they opened him up." "I've never heard you discuss your time in the cadets.." "Because of that. Jake and I were friends for years. Having your best friend die in your arms is tragic, but his family knew that he was doing his duty.. I vowed never to talk about it, until now." Dixie then said "I'm always asked if I have a relationship with you. And my answer is yes. We've dated for years." Lopez said "Am I missing something? You two together? not married?" "Yes we aren't married (a lie they were).. We enjoy a relationship." Phil stood up and got his crutches as a doctor walked past. "Hey Doc?" The doctor turned and said "Here." Phil passed the crutches to the doctor and said "A month on crutches is enough for me. I've been doing physio non-stop for this past month and my leg has never felt better." The doctor nodded and said "Thank you.. I think.." the doctor walked away confused as Linda came out of Ayda's room. "Ayda would like to see you now." Everyone stood up and Phil walked in last and he closed the door. "I see you gave up the crutches.." said Ayda weakly. Phil laughed and said "Yeah I did.." They all started talking and they were smiling and talking about times Ayda was working for the entire group. She then said "Its been an amazing time, working with you all. You all showed me how justice was served and how each of you treated someone with nowhere else to go. Working in an environment like law shows justice can be served by those who care enough to do it." as Ayda's breathing slowed down and her sentences shorter she then said "Its been an honour being your...........friend.." Ayda drew her last breath as the machine beeped the death line. Everyone's heads went down and Davis was crouching on the floor. Phil went outside to get his breath. A few hours later they were preparing for her funeral. They read her final wishes, which was to be cremated and her ashes spread over the city. They spread her ashes over the city a few days later and they gathered to talk about retiring her office. They agreed to and so did the legal bar. Phil was sitting in his office and Dixie came in and sat down with him. "It brought up memories didn't it?" "Dixie.. She knew. All those years, she knew we were married." "So? If she knew she obviously didn't tell anyone." "Seems like she loved us both. She cared..." "She was truly special.." said Dixie as Phil stood up and looked out the window and it was raining,

The Firm Season 5 ep 1
As Philip was standing in the corner at a table in the bank, he was on the phone to Dixie "Of course. I'm here now. trust me on this. Yeah alright. Talk to you later." Phil hung up the phone and was about to move in the line, when masked men stormed the building, they pointed their weapons at everyone inside the bank. "Everyone put your hands up! Touch anything and someone here will die tonight." One gun man fired at the security camera's and said "Cameras are out." "This isn't going to end well." said Phil to another person. "Nah, its not.." "On your knees everyone, then on the ground. No playing around here." a gunman went over to Phil and crouched down to him "AH, Mr Purcell. You came in today for a reason I assume.." "I was making a payment on the Legal Firm I own. Gotta pay for things to you know.." "I do know.." "Jerry, stop talking to the lawyer and help me rob this bank." Back at the firm Dixie was sitting at her desk when Davis rushed in and said "The bank's been hit." "The what? Say that again." Davis turned the TV on and a reporter was on the scene. "This bank the Bank of Westfield is currently in lockdown after masked men stormed the building. Security footage from the bank has been cut-off as the cameras have been shot out. We believe there are hostages inside. We'll have more when we know more. Hector Reporter West Side News." the TV cut to black as Davis looked to Dixie and said "I hope Phil's not in there.." "Knowing Phil he probably is." Dixie rubbed her head as she looked at the TV. Back at the bank the gunmen had taken off their masks as they made threats to everyone. "There are choppers, cops and news reporters out there." said Phil. "Purcell, stand up.." Phil slowly stood up and said "The moment you fire a weapon, those people will be on your tail faster then hot glue dries." Jerry was standing at the door looking out of it. "He's right. Cops are everywhere." Phil was standing against the wall after he was told to. Phil then said "There is a way to end this you know. No legal mumbo-jumbo from me. But there is always a way to exit the bank through the bottom vault." "Mr Purcell. You're a lawyer you shouldn't be saying this.." said a hostage. Phil looked at the hostage and said "DO you want to get out of here alive?" "Of course.. They are already breaking the law, holding us hostage, and you want to give them a free pass." "No. I'd be the lawyer representing one of these gunmen. So it comes full circle. I know the law." a gunman who had his gun aimed at Phil the entire time said "I know you do Mr Purcell." Phil then said "Get everyone else out. Shoot me. Keep me as a hostage." Jerry then said "Unlike these other two gunmen Mr Purcell, I will not shoot someone so important." "I am a lawyer. I've dealt with the scum. I've been in the army cadets." "Why did you go into law." "Justice. Too see those with no voice get one in court." "Jerry, those cops are prepping a sniper on the next roof. We need to get out of here." "Shut up Babcock." "Babcock? Hold on.. Jerrod Babcock?" "What's it to you.." "You were a doctor why are you holding up a bank.." Babcock stared and said "The person who mentored me died of a stroke. Medicine sucked sometimes." Jerry still had his gun pointed at Purcell, Jerry said "Give me one reason not to shoot you. I might not. or I might." "Do it. Shoot me. I put away criminals for a living. Lost one of my closest friends when I was in the cadets. Watched them die in front of me. I have a brain tumour I haven't told anyone of my colleagues that I have it. So if you shot me, it wouldn't matter to me, but it would matter to those people I work with. Go ahead shoot me." Phil had a tear go down his cheek as Jerry pulled the trigger, twice. The bullets hit Phil in the stomach and in the pelvis. Phil let out and "oh" sound as he stumbled back to the wall and slid down it. He was holding his stomach as Babcock looked on. He lowered his head as fired his weapon shooting Jerry in the leg. Phil was in agony as another news report broke. "Shots have been fired I repeat shots have been fired. 3 shots have been fired. That's all we know so far." the TV was still producing images as Dixie was watching the TV and thinking the worst. Davis stepped out and called Phil's phone. Phil was touching his wounds as he turned over to his side and addressed the hostage next to him. "Well..." "Are you okay?" "Obviously.. not.." Jerry moved over to Phil and kicked him twice in the ribs, Phil grunting in agony. Jerry then grabbed cling wrap off of the table and gave to a hostage. "Wrap up his wounds. He'll be fine.." "Fine? Jerry? He's not fine.." "Jerrod, shut up." Phil said in pain "Nah, he's right.. I didn't say what I took in cadet school, but I took a medical course. I have about 2 hours before my body shuts down from blood loss." a hostage while Phil was talking was wrapping his stomach in cling wrap. "I know if I move the bullet in my pelvis could dislodge and move to a nerve, allowing me to never walk again.." "That's not accurate.. but its close. The nerve thing, normally that's over time." said Babcock. Jerry was angry at Babcock, so he grabbed Babcock's head and slammed it into a table. Babcock somehow ok said "You'll have to do a lot better then that.." "Alright then.." Jerry then fired the gun hitting Babcock in the head, killing him instantly. Jerry then said "Anyone else.." Phil managed to push himself up against the wall as the phone rang. "You, answer it.." the hostage answered the phone and said "It's for Phil.." "Let him have it.." Phil was given the phone he knew the voice. "Phil, its me. Davis. Are you ok?" "No.." "Phil whats going on. Shots have been fired in that bank, are you ok.." Phil had tears going down his face as he said to the hostages and to Davis "You know, why I never had kids.. because we tried so hard. 3 times we tried to conceive and all three times miscarriages. I wanted many things in my life. Too be a father was one of them. But with our careers and how good they were going, it didn't seem right... I want you to tell Dixie, that I loved her from the moment I met her. That if I don't make it out of here today, hug her for me. She deserves that at least.." Phil started coughing and he coughed up blood. "Oh that's not good." Jerry went over to Phil and ripped the phone out of his hand and hung up. "Nice.. play that card." Phil then spat blood on the floor. "Enough blood has been spilled today. End it." Back at the Firm, Dixie was no longer in her office she was in the main room with everyone else. "This is awful.." said Moran as Davis came in and said "I just got off the phone.. Phil's in there." Dixie in horror looked at him and said "Has he been hurt?" "His breathing was off, but it could be stress. He'll be ok.." Back at the bank. Phil was in so much pain he slid down onto the ground after being leaned against the wall. The hostages were holding his head up so he could breathe. "End it. And maybe I wont have to be the lawyer of the man who almost killed me. I'm a lot stronger then you think..." "For a man losing consciousness it's sure taking you forever." Phil chuckled in agony and said "I've been beaten before. And I survived.. I will survive this to.. I've got another what 40 minutes to get to a hospital and get these wounds checked out. The bloody cough means the you gave me deflated one of my lungs.. I know what i'm gonna need the moment they put me on that gurney. blood, fluids, x-rays and surgery." Jerry then took out the clip of his gun and put it on the table. He then took the gun that was in Babcock's hands and he fired the entire round into the wall. One bullet hitting a hostage in the throat. Outside the police couldn't do anything as the sniper had confirmed all the exits were locked from the inside and they couldn't get out. "You have innocent blood on your hands.... You...shot. your partner in crime and just killed a hostage.. you wouldn't make it a day in custody.." Jerry walked right over to a teller and grabbed them by the throat. Jerry said to the hostages. "Leave Purcell here. The rest of you BACK ROOM.." A hostage lowered Phil's head as he laboured his breathing. Jerry pointed the gun at Phil and fired on Phil a 3rd time. This shot landing in his right thigh, Phil screamed in agony as the hostages all went into the backroom. Phil struggled as he stood up and put his hand on the table. "You can take my life.. Shoot me as many times as you like.." Jerry threw the hostage to the floor and he grabbed Phil, Phil then said "But there's something to never underestimate a former army cadet.." Phil then stabbed Jerry in the neck with a letter opener. Phil dropped to the floor as Jerry walked over to the front doors and he opened them. His gun still in his hand as the police force standing guns drawn, watched him push the blade into his neck and his body dropped to the ground as the police rushed into the buildings to free the hostages and get the bodies. The news reporter getting the facts as The Firm watched on. Dixie almost on edge. "We are showing live pictures now. The police have just rescued the hostages that were found in the break room." the reporter turned around just as they were bringing Phil out on a gurney and taking away two more who had been hurt in crossfire. "out of 29 hostages in the bank today 3 were hurt and two of the gunmen were killed. One gunman stabbed with a letter opener another shot by his own partner, the third arrested. Its been a day of blood shed the city wont forget.." The cameras turned around and everything looked in slow motion as the camera showed Phil with an oxygen mask and trauma blankets were around him. The next minute everyone from the Firm was rushing to the hospital.

The Firm: Season 5
As Purcell was reading a file, a sense of dread overcame his self. Purcell rubbed his side as he looked up and saw Dixie looking at him. Dixie walked into the room and she closed the door. "Philip.. are you okay? You've been throwing around a lost look for about 3 days.." Purcell looked up and said "Subpoena me.." " What Why?" "The case we took, I can't defend that man." "Who Mr Troden?" "There's something I haven't told you.." "I'm not gonna like this am I?" Philip shook his head with sadness. Phil said "Troden was a baseball coach in Australia and he was known for making winning teams. I played in the side he coached and we made to it finals, he invited the team to his house for celebrations. Should've been the first indication something was going to go wrong that night, I was 15 when does someone that age know better?. We were out in the backyard and the music was blaring. I asked Troden to use his bathroom, he said to use the downstairs toilet. I got lost trying to find the bathroom downstairs and when I found it, I found a photo of a kid. This kid had been beaten black and blue. That's when he came inside and saw me with the photo.. He was furious, I explained I just saw the photo on the ground and nothing else happened... He wasn't having it, he was so mad that he ripped a metal towel rack off the wall and beat me with it. I never played baseball again. If I see a baseball I want to die. Its horrific memories, that I will always live with" "Oh Philip.. I'm so sorry you've been carrying this burden for so long." Phil rubbed his eyes and said "I want to see this bastard behind bars. I will give evidence if I have to." "You'd be prepared to bring up old wounds." "I was called a liar by Troden for years, he called the ambulance the night he assaulted me and told them I fell down the stairs, my parents were furious they knew what happened.. My first case at this firm was defending him against an assault charge. There was nothing I could do he recognised me and I had to take the case." "What happened?" "The charges were dropped, because the victim committed suicide. He blackmailed her into not giving evidence. We couldn't prove it. Which pissed me off." "You'd speak for 150 other people." "I would. Because its about time that this stopped." Purcell handed the files of the Troden case to Dixie and she said "We'll get him this time. This time he wont get away with anything." Dixie patted Phil's shoulder and she said "It'll be okay. This time freedom wont be calling Mr Troden." Dixie stood up and she opened the door and then closed it and went to her office. Phil broke down and started crying.

The next day in court, Phil was in a suit and tie and he was sitting in the gallery watching the proceedings as he had handed over his files on Troden to Dixie, Dixie was overseeing things. "Mr Troden, you stand accused of over 150 accounts of assault and sexual harassment. You pleaded not guilty to all charges, but today we have a victim who works for our very own Legal Firm. And he has written under oath that he will testify against you." "Oh please. Purcell? The kid lied for years. I never hurt him. He fell down the stairs." "Mr Troden. The injuries Mr Purcell sustained, ended his baseball career. All because he got lost trying to find the bathroom.. You attacked him for it?" "I attack him because he was touching my property. I pushed him out of the way. That's it." Dixie was holding up the photo in question. "This photo? The boy in this photo looks about 5 years old. Facial recognition couldn't identify him he was beaten that badly. This boy was killed because of your anger issues." "Objection!" The judge shook her head. "Noted. continue Ms Johnson." "Your property or not Mr Troden, you are in possession of child exploitation material. This child died at the hands of a sicko." "And you think that sicko was me? Please I'd never hurt anyone." "Sure.." Dixie looked at the judge and said "no more questions." Dixie sat down next to Purcell. As Purcell was called to give evidence. "Mr Purcell. You have a history with Mr Troden, do you not?" "I do." "And what was that for?" "I played baseball in an under 17's team and when I started my internship at The Firm, he was my first client." "And may I ask what was that first case?" "Objection your honour, relevancy.." "Its relevant." "An assault case." "Do you remember how the case ended?" "It was thrown out after the victim committed suicide. No fowl play was seen and Mr Troden was cleared of wrong doing." Phil rubbed his side again and this was noted by the judge who was looking at him. "Hold on." said the judge. "Mr Purcell, you've been rubbing your side, for some time now, and I've seen it in many other cases. What is the matter." "Old injuries from my assault." Troden stood up and said "He's lying. He fell down the stairs!" "Quiet Mr Troden." Purcell said "Too show you I am not lying. I need help to remove my shirt. I will show you the evidence of what Mr Troden did all those years ago." Troden sunk into his chair, as Phil stood up and Dixie walked over and helped unbutton his shirt. They got the shirt off and underneath the shirt was a bandage. Purcell said "I got this." Purcell undid the bandage and reveal a huge open scar. Purcell then said "I've lived with this ever since I was attacked. Many surgeons wont even go near this, they wont close it, so I have to wear a bandage and take constant antibiotics." Everyone fell silent as the judge said "Mr Purcell, your medical report from that night concludes you were struck with a metal object, consistent with a towel rack. How has this effected you personally?" "Personally? as a lawyer I do my best to avoid assault cases, because it brings back memories. This man took my freedom. Took my child/teenhood away from me. I'll never forget that" Phil was helped back into his bandage and shirt, as he sat back down. "Medical reports never lie Mr Troden. You were in a position of power and you abused that power. Not just on Mr Purcell, but to 150 people as well. You should know that everyone in this room has been affect by your actions and they will not take it lightly that you harmed a young kid who didn't know better. Court will deliberate and reconvene when a decision has been made ." the gavel banged as Dixie and Purcell went to the court quarters for lawyers. "That was brave of you. I never thought you'd do that.." suddenly a knock on the door. "Come in.." the door opened and a person with a briefcase came in and said "Hi, I'm Dr Felix Adams.. I saw your wound and asked where you were." "Please come in." Felix entered the room and said "I would like to stitch it up, to get you off of those antibiotics." "A dozen doctors promised that. They never did anything." "It requires the right touch. I'm a former military doc, with a background in plastics." "How long will this take?" "No more then 30 minutes. I'll clean the wound out, and close it." Purcell agreed and said "Do it.". 30 minutes later, the wound that doctors wouldn't touch as stitched up and cleaned. Purcell smiled as he said "I guess you were right. Thank you so much Mr Adams.." "No problem. Just take the last lot of biotics and watch out for failed stitches." "You remind me of someone Mr Adams." "My sons legal case." "How is he going?" "He died 3 years ago. he's buried in Texas next to his wife." "How sad. Sorry to hear about it." Adams nodded and he left the room after a quick discussion. 10 minutes later a call was made and they were back in the courtroom. Troden was standing up as the judge said "It was the quickest convening of a jury I've ever seen. only 40 minutes. Jury.." A member of the jury then said "We the jury find the defendant guilty of all charges." Troden looked at the judge as the judge said "No one I above the law. And no one shall be above it. Mr JD Troden I sentence you to 40 years in jail to be served at "The Boneyard". You will remanded in custody for 48 hours." The gavel banged as a sigh of relief came over Phil and all those who suffered at the hands of Troden. as the court quickly dispersed Phil went back to The Firm to sit down and think.

Back at The Firm celebrations were underway to celebrate a big win but Purcell wasn't in the mood for celebrating. He went into his office and opened the draw to his desk and pulled out a MRI scan of his head. As he was looking at it he didn't see that Dixie was looking at it as well. "Is that your head Purcell?" "Oh Dixie.. You startled me.." "is it?" "It is." Purcell said "I've been fighting for years to get Troden behind bars and the day I get him behind bars, I find out I have a brain tumor.." "A what, are you for real?" "I am." "Aren't you scared?" "I'm done being scared Dix.. I've lived an amazing life, have an amazing job. I'm not going anywhere without a fight."

The Firm Season 5
"Philip, when were you going to tell me you were this sick?" Dixie said as she rubbed her eyes "It was only a matter of time. It was slow growing, and the news to me was shocking as well." Dixie shook her head and said "How much longer? Months, years?" "I don't know.. He said with how its going it may take years, but because its the brain it takes awhile, for all I know I could die next week." Dixie said "You know when we married 10 years ago, we did say in sickness and in health. I still cant believe we never told anyone we got married." "I think they would've found out by now. If not they really are thick." Phil put his scans back in his draw and he said "Lets enjoy this party, because I've handed in those files for the week, and I have no other clients for now." Johnson and Phil kissed as they joined the party. Moran was holding up a glass when he said "Here is to Phil Purcell and Dixie Johnson for putting away the scum of the earth known as Troden. It's taken over 2 decades, but we did it." Then all of a sudden the phone rang. Phil answered it as Moran continued with his speech. Phil got off the phone 10 minutes later and he said "Guys.." "What? what is it?" "That was the County Custody Facility, Troden was shot by one of the officers." "What? How?" "Troden tried to choke one of the officers with his handcuffs, the officer in question was attacked and bashed by Troden. The officer called for back up and another officer came in and shot and killed Troden." "He's dead? After everything that happened, he's dead?" said Lopez. "That's what the Marshal said. Unfortunately for the officer who took action, he is being charged." "What for? It was self defence. He was protecting an officer who was being attacked. For crying out loud." said Davis. Phil then said "I'm not taking the case. Not this time." Moran then said "You don't have to. No one at this firm is taking any case regarding the Troden case nor its legal battle proceeding his death." Moran then got the phone out of Phil's hand and made that call. "No one will rep him here at the firm. Because its a conflict of interest and no one wants to take on the extra work. of course, we understand that, maybe you should know next time to leave a dangerous criminal in his cell!" the phone was slammed down as Phil then said "Look, I need to rest. I'm going to go home, this has been a tough week for all of us. I suggest you all get some rest to." Phil left for home as everyone else partied for another hour before leaving themselves. Phil took a shower and he got dressed, he put on pants as he looked at the stitches in his side. He touched them and saw the healing going on. He no longer had to wear the bandage and he didn't have any more pain coming from his sides. As he heard the door unlock he went out into the lounge room and welcomed Dixie home. The two kissed as they sat down together on the lounge. Phil stroked Dixie's hair as he said "It's been a crazy ride for the firm. Never did I think I'd spend my life with such an amazing woman." Dixie then said "10 years of highs. You wouldn't expect anything less. We built that Firm together, and we'll see it to the end." "We will." Phil kissed Dixie's forehead as she said "Are you scared now?" "I'm always scared. I was scared giving testimony today. I was scared looking at Troden. I was scared hearing that brain tumour diagnosis. I've always lived scared, but when I am with you it goes away. You know why, because the woman I fell in love with understands me and my quirks." Dixie chuckled as she got up and said "I love you Phil Purcell." "I love you Dixie Johnson." the two kissed and they went to bed.

As everyone was in the office, Phil walked in a little late and he said to his receptionist as he walked in "No one must disturb me ok. I need to get work done." "Ok Mr Purcell." Phil opened the room his office and closed the door. He sat down and put out his laptop and started writing on the writing ap. Phil finished writing up what he needed to and he printed it. He placed it in an envelope and wrote "The Firm" on the front of it. He put his laptop away and back into his bag. He left the letter on the table. Phil smiled as he saw from his office Dixie and Moran talk. Phil stood up and as soon as he did he looked confused and concerned as he dropped to his knees and collapsed. As the hour went by, Moran and Lopez said to Phil's receptionist "Can we go in there now?" "Mr Purcell said not to disturb him. But I think he's in there." Moran and Lopez. Lopez opened the door and said "No, one is in here." Moran tapped Lopez's shoulder and said "He is.." Moran ran over to behind the desk, and saw Phil lying on the floor. "Phil, can you hear me.." Moran screamed out "I need help in here! Somebody!" as Davis and Dixie ran into the room and saw Phil being rolled into the recovery position. "What happened?" said Dixie. "I don't know. We came to ask him something and we found him on the floor." "We need an ambulance, now.." Davis looked up and said "The ambulance wouldn't make it here in time. Can someone get their car. The hospital is only a few blocks away." as Davis picked up Phil and carrying him, everything was moving in slow motion as they ran down the stairs, Dixie was on the phone to the hospital and telling them they were bringing in Phil, but they didn't know what he had suffered. As they drove to the hospital, Dixie was in the backseat holding Phil's head as she said "You're okay Phil. We're taking you to hospital. You'll be okay.." Phil smiled as he said "I love you Dixie. I always have.. Never forget that.." Phil raised his arm and he cupped Dixie's cheek and removed a tear. "It'll be ok.." Phil's arm went slowly down as Dixie kissed his forehead. The ride to the hospital felt like forever and as they made it to the hospital, the stopped the car as doctors came out to the carpark and got Phil and took him in for treatment. They were told to wait in the waiting room. "What happens next?" said Moran. Dixie said "I don't know.. I really don't.." "Can, I ask something.." "Go ahead." "You really loved him didn't you. You two fell in love?" "We got married 10 years ago. Since then our relationship was never brought up." Davis smiled and said "I think I saw it. You two never fought for cases, you protected him. I always loved that about both of you.." "You know what he told me yesterday.. He told me... He told me he's been sick.." "Sick... sick how?" "He has a brain tumour." "A tumour? Oh my god.." As the cupped their hands they were hoping for good news, as a doctor walked out. "Doctor, how is it?" "It's not great news." "What, was is it?" "Philip suffered a stroke. We've given him medication but it hasn't worked." "Can he move, speak?" "I cannot discuss that. You may work with him but you aren't family." Dixie looked up and said "That's my husband in there, and these other people here are his colleagues. Now, tell us, can he move or speak." The doctor cleared his throat and said "As you know, he had the tumour in his brain.. We did scans, and they show that the tumour burst." "Tumours don't normally burst do they?" "No, they don't. They are complex things. His tumour burst and along with that caused irreparable damage. The damage from the stroke caused paralysis from the neck down." "Can I see him?" The doctor nodded "Of course." as they opened the door to Phil's room they saw him lying there with his head propped up. He looked at his friends with a smile.. Dixie was standing and holding Phil's hand and said "everything will be fine hon." Phil smiled as he looked at his team. The doctor came in and asked everyone but Dixie to leave, they left the room as Dixie was given some more news.

"His file still stands doctor. He made it very clear, he did not want extraordinary measures. He has lived a good life. He has been a hell of a lawyer and husband. He's worked his arse of for years." "I understand that Mrs Johnson. But how will you react? Its grief, its everything combined with this." "Doctor. She's right.." said Phil. "I signed a DNR years ago. I didn't want to put my family through the hell of seeing me on life support. I may not be able to move right now, but I am not scared of dying. I put rapists, murderers and a lot of bad guys in prison, and on top of that I ran a legal firm and balanced that with being a husband for over 20 years. Now tell me, how long have I got? days, hours?" "A matter of hours. If we were to go into your brain.." "That'd kill me quicker. Listen Dr Vinton. I am at liberty to say no. Because you cant save everyone. 5 years I had chemo without anyone at my own Legal Firm noticing, took on cases, been in many high stress situations. You make choices everyday. It just happens to be that I finished my business today. And I can say that what happens today will make everyone upset no matter the outcome." "Can I at least ask, if you are in any pain Mr Purcell." Purcell smiled and said "For the first time in years, no I am not. I don't feel the arthritis pain, the headaches, anything. For the first time in my life, I'm not in pain.." as the monitors beeped, Vinton put a mask on Phil's face to help with the breathing. As the doctor stepped out, the team came back in. As the hours passed Purcell took his turn and he said to everyone "Take care of each other. Work hard, and don't forget played harder if you need to." Turning his head to Dixie he said "I never stopped loving you. The moment we met I feel in love. You keep the good times we had together." as 10 minutes went by Purcell closed his eyes as Davis said "You earned this one." Purcell weakly smiled as Purcell's hand let go of the grip of Dixie's, and the machine went off. Philip had passed away. Dixie started crying as she lowered her head into Phil's body, Moran, Lopez and Davis all lowered their heads, and they went outside to give Dixie privacy.

A couple of hours later they all returned to the firm, and everyone was eager to know. Dixie had just finished crying and said "Philip... Is dead. My husband... is dead..."

The Firm Season 8 The Finale
Dixie was sitting in her office at home, where she was holding a photo of her and Philip on their wedding day, a flood of memories came to her as she stared at the photo. She put the photo in a box with all the other photos of her and Phil, Dixie was packing up her photos. Dixie didn't tell anyone but she had planned on moving back to Australia, as she received word that Phil's parents had the farm he lived on as a kid and they wanted to give it to Dixie as a present, Dixie decided to take the farm. Dixie heard a knock on the door and she put the box of photos into her office and she closed the door. Dixie opened the door and it was Davis. "Davis, what are you doing here." He was holding a folder and he said "These arrived for you at the office." Davis came into the house and he shut the door behind him. He handed the folder to Dixie and Dixie said "thanks" She walked over to her desk and signed off on it. "Can I ask. What are you signing?" Dixie looked and said "it's the forms for The Firm. I'm shutting it down." Davis rubbed his chin and said "That puts a lot of good people out of work." Dixie nodded and said "It does, but its for the best. For me and for everyone involved its the best decision." Dixie walked over to the drink cabinet and said "I just signed release forms for the house." "The house is going on the market?" "In a week." Dixie poured herself a drink and placed it on the table. "Why are you leaving?" Dixie sat down and said "I'm 72 years old. And this feels like the right time to move stocks." "To where?" "Australia." "Australia? Are you insane?" Dixie stood up and said "There is nothing here for me anyone." "Are you serious?" Dixie took her glass and said "I had a call a couple of weeks ago from Phil's parents. Phil had property in Australia, he went back there every couple of months to up keep the farm. His parents offered me the farm, because they didn't know what to do with it. I decided to go back there myself and live there. I packed up the photos, and mementos already, some are already at the farm, others on there way." Davis sat down and said "I cant agree with the way you want to leave.. You aren't going to say goodbye to the firm at least?" Dixie stood up and walked to the kitchen. "I have to pack up my office and shut the firm down. Tell over a dozen lawyers to find new work." Davis stood up and said "You're leaving because of Phil aren't you? Packing up here and moving to the farm house, he grew up on. You are leaving because your husband died 3 years ago, and you still aren't over it! Dixie I have news for you, every night before I go to sleep I relive that day. I relive the moment we found him on the floor, the moment the machine beeped 'yo, no life', and the moment your face broke down, the break down and the funeral. You don't forget moments like those. Dixie come on! We all struggled with Phil's death, but..." "Don't you dare say it.." "But its been 3 years. You need to move on.."Dixie turned around and said "How, dare you... I will tell you something. I still call his phone just to hear his voice again. I listen to his old notes on his Dictaphone. If you think I'm running away because of Phil, you are mistaken. Phil and I purchased that farm so one day we could retire together, TOGETHER, we planned on moving back to Australia, I know I'm not a native of the country, but I felt like I belonged. Life here is always so busy, we never got time to think. Being a lawyer wasn't the only thing I ever knew Davis. It was being there for my husband." Dixie came out of the kitchen and faced Davis, "Being there, you never asked him if he was sick." Dixie slapped Davis across the face and said "He never told anyone. As he said he didn't want sympathy or kindness. He was the man of compassion, I was the doer, the big-balled female who herself put away the guilty people." Davis rubbing his face said "We all put away the big criminals. The Firm and our legal teams did that. I cant believe you wouldn't sign the office deed over to me.." Dixie looked with fire in her eyes and said "I was always going to shut down the firm. Myself. No one else. And if everyone else has to find another firm fine. I have contracts for other firms." "You do?" "I do." Dixie went to the desk and opened the draw and saw the folder marked 'T Davis' she picked it up and shoved it in Davis arms. "There." Davis opened it and 3 contracts were there for him. Dixie said "Phil and I discussed it many times. Believe me. Terry, The Firm is my business. I will always think what I could've done better for the firm and for everyone we helped. But the firm has run its course, and you should know those contracts are valid. You pick any of the three and you can be whatever type of lawyer you want to be now. Its time you made that choice." Davis took the glass that was on the table and he took a sip. "These contracts are insane. That's a lotta money to make in a year. Am I sure I want to be a divorce lawyer?" "I spent 10 years with a man who was 14 years my junior, you think we were ready to start a business together?" Davis looked up and said "I guess not.. But you know. I am still mad at you." he said standing up. Davis walked over to the door and opened it, folder in hand. "Be as mad as you like. I don't care anymore." Davis then left. 3 days later all the mementos and photos were all out of the house and the office at "The Firm", and the house was put on the market. Dixie just had to go into the firm and tell everyone the news. As Dixie was in her office, she had already cleaned out her office and she was keeping everything, she had it sent to her other stuff. Dixie swallowed hard before she stood up and opened the door to her office and turned the light off she closed the door locking it one last time. Dixie gathered the lawyers together and said "You all seen this. You know what it means." Dixie was holding a box which was full of contracts for the lawyers.. "The Firm is finished. And you may be thinking 'oh no, I've lost my job.', but you haven't. In this box there are folders with each of your names on them, they have contracts in them, 3 of them. Those 3 contracts are for Firms or law schools you have told us about in years of conversation. Philip and I always thought it would be a good backup plan." Dixie opened the box and everyone grabbed their folder. Lopez looked into his and he nodded to himself. He put the folder down an said "I'm not going to take it." Dixie looked at him and said "Why not?" "I don't want to do law anyone. I'm retiring from being a lawyer. I got offered a place on the Hospital Board of New Mexico. The only thing I need is my attitude and a smile. I took the position and I leave today.." "What about you Sam? You always talked about going to New York." Moran smiled and said "I talked about it. But I cant do it either. I've always been a lawyer, a good one. Teaching law wouldn't be me, So I decided to start my own firm. The Moran Legal Firm. I didn't tell anyone about it, because the building is still under construction and its almost done." "Terry, how about you?" Davis didn't look up but he said "I'm going to Jersey. Signed my contract this morning. I leave in 20 minutes." Dixie then said "Alright.. But I want to wish you all the beset of luck in your new jobs or whatever you decide." Dixie put the box on the floor and Davis said "Do you have any idea, on who might be moving into this building next?" Dixie then said "I do. Another law practice. Divorce and custody. So these law books wont go to waste. But if you want to, take some or take whatever, because you deserve it." "I guess this is an informal goodbye then?" said one lawyer, Dixie nodded as they said "It's been wonderful working with you all these years. Thank you." Dixie smiled as she hugged everyone except Davis who refused to talk to Dixie. Dixie stopped talking as she went into another office. She was watching as several lawyers took books, and even the clocks from the walls. After an hour sitting in a dark room, Dixie emerged the room was empty, everything was gone. Dixie was standing in the middle of the room and was having flashbacks to everything that went on in "The Firm" for all those years.

--- "we've done a good job here, haven't we.." "we certainly did. I hope we put scum behind bars and train up our lawyers." "We will. Oh we will."- Dixie and Phil... "Did you ever watch the show Family Law? The one with Dixie Carter and Julie Warner?" "Who's Dixie Carter?" "Oh for real? Her nickname was 'The Terminator', you know Designing Women..." "Oh, I remember watching that, I always wondered who that was.."- Phil and Davis... Hugs, kisses, good news and bad.. everything went on at "The Firm."---

Dixie snapped back to life and she picked up her handbag, she walked over to the big doors and she took one last look. She opened the door and she turned off the main light, before closing the door. She smiled as she went out the other exit doors and down the stairs to her car. She was about to get in it when Davis said "I'm going to miss you." "I know you are." "Look. about what I said. I'm sorry I acted like a jackass." "All is forgiven. You take care of yourself." Davis and Dixie hugged as Dixie said "You'll be great in Jersey, Mr. Davis." "Thank you. Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy the farm" Dixie nodded as she stepped into the car. She was on her way to the airport for a one way flight.

I got to the airport and boarded my plane. Knowing i'd never be back in America again. I gave up my chance to keep running the firm, but I was done. for me it was the proper time to set of and enjoy retirement. No one else can say that they also want to mourn in retirement as well. But that is what I am going to do. I will see the marvellous place of the farm again, call it home. Call it whatever I want. People call it rude if you stay in mourning, but if you really love someone, you hold it in your heart to remember them. Remembering the future and the past in the most important thing anyone can do. So dont stop loving or living because someone you know died, you remember them and you remember the sacrifice you made to be their friend, or better yet best friend. You never forget those people.

It was month since Dixie had settled down on the farm. She was enjoying the quiet days and not so busy nights. She could sleep properly and she could eat when she wanted to. Dixie was still putting up photos, but she saved her favourite one till last. She got it out of the box and held it up. It was of Phil and Dixie when they married and they were walking toward something. The photo was in black and white, and Dixie stared at the photo. She decided to hang it up just above the TV. As Dixie finished with the photos a news story broke.

"This news just in. A story broken by Hector Reporter, is that TV series 'Sebour' and its continuation 'The Town' has been removed from streaming sites and TV re-runs, after reports of the TV's backstage crew throwing objects at cast members and even going as far to lock them in the studio to finish mammoth 18 hour shoots and berate cast members with threats of assault. One cast member claimed he had enough of being silenced and contacted the media. We will update you on more..." -3 hours later- "Tonight. A TV franchise in ruins as a legal battle for compensation and justice. The director of the show has confirmed he allowed violent behaviour from his off-set crew as for on set claimed that the cast all got along which he hated. One former person stated 'You had to have it written in your contract for your character to die. I never wanted to return for Sebour Rising or its 2 other continuation series. The off-set crew were nasty to all of us. It was about time someone stood up for us.'"

Dixie heard the phone ring "Hello, Mrs Johnson. You ready for one, last case." Dixie agreed and took it. The case was the Sebour case, and Dixie fought for all involved, the cast members were rewarded over $11.9 million each, and everyone who served on the crew including the director was sentenced to 20 years in prison, for false imprisonment, assault and intimidation. Dixie effectively retired after the Sebour Case and she went out to the farm again..

The sun was going down and Dixie was sitting outside watching it. Watching something she wanted to do forever.

The Firm- Epilogue
Dixie- "It had been a year since I left the busy life of being a lawyer at "The Firm". I took on one final case, the Sebour case, and then I retired from public life. I lived since then on the farm that Philip had grown up on since then and its been a rough time. 4 years after his death and I think about him everyday because mourning never gets easier, he was the man I loved, he helped me through a rough time and he helped me to learn to live again... The others I never heard from again. I assume they forgot about me."

As Dixie was standing outside, she was drinking a cup of tea when she heard a car pull up. She turned around and a group of people got out. Dixie rubbed her face as they walked over to her. "Sam, Terry, Lopez, what are you doing here?" "We all decided to come and see you." Dixie hugged them all and said "Its been tough for all of us. After the firm closed I struggled to be around other lawyers after working with everyone I knew personally for so long." said Moran. Lopez lowered his head and he said "I struggled. Working on a hospital board is interesting, but its no Firm." As they all sat down on the chair outside, Dixie said "I struggled with Phil's death. On top of losing Ayda the year before, it was just so hard." "I mean I've heard of fate, but that type of fate is that? Losing two people in the space of a year.. We were cursed.. But we still brought in our clients." "I miss that.." "I don't." said Dixie. "Being here for me is watching the sunsets and the wind and the trees. The life I love now is this one.." "Didn't you take on one last case? The Sebour Case?" "How'd you know?" "It was on TV everywhere. I never knew how much the crew hated the cast you know. How was that jury?" "Intense. For it to be my last case was even better. Justice was served and the cast deserved the payout, they did everything possible in a volatile situation" As they continued talking they all reminisced on their careers and how far they had come.

Lopez "My career always had something interesting in it. From representing my own in court to being a pall-bearer at another, it never got any easier. Not for me. I had family living across the country in New Mexico while I worked in a law firm in the states. It never gets any harder then that. I loved being a lawyer at "The Firm" you never forget the people you worked with nor do you forget those you stood in court for. I always wanted everyone to know I was okay with everything, but in the end, I needed to get back in New Mexico, to be around those I cared about. My family was the most important thing to me."

As Dixie made up rooms for everyone she told them to get some rest after their flights. The only person who didn't go for a nap was Davis. Dixie was sitting in her office, that had her law awards and her photos of Phil and herself. She heard a knock on the door, Davis opened the door and closed it as he said "You miss him, don't you?" Dixie was still sitting at the desk she was holding their wedding photo, as she turned around and said "So much so. I'm dying for him Terry.." Terry sat down and said "Broken heart syndrome? You loved him that much, you're suffering for it.." "I moved to Australia to be at peace with myself Terry. Phil did a lot of things for me. Everyone knows the fact I stabbed my first husband with a kitchen knife.." "You stabbed him?" "He was an abusive husband. One day I got sick of his abuse, he went mental and shot me three times. I was laying on the kitchen floor, and he tried to shoot one last time. I stabbed him in the throat. I don't know how, but I stabbed him and killed him. The next thing I know is I'm in hospital. I thought my career was over. You know self-defence charges normally don't get accepted. But had it not been for a diary that they found. I'd be in prison on a murder charge.." "How'd you meet Phil?" "Phil was in the middle of his first big case, the one about Troden. The case was of course dropped, but I started talking to him. And we started up this relationship . He helped me in a time of need. He made me feel safe." Davis looked up and said "He really did care." "You don't know how much he cared. When he died a little part of me regrets not asking if he was ok. I never knew what else to do."

Davis "Seeing Dixie like that broke my heart. All the years I worked for her, I only saw her break down once, that was after Phil died. Phil was my friend and Phil was the reason we all loved working. Hearing that she was really heartbroken made me know she truly fell in love with him. Starting from scratch on my own was one of the hardest things I've ever done."

The next week Moran, Davis and Lopez all went back to the states. Dixie was by herself again and she smiled at the time by herself. Dixie was standing outside in the sun, and she saw Phil's ghost standing beside her. As Dixie stood in the sun, the others were standing beside her. Dixie walked back into the house and then came back outside at night. Dixie looked up to the moon and as the moon rose higher in the sky, Dixie passed away, suffering a huge heart attack outside the house. Her ghost stood beside her body and the others stood next to her. Dixie "I suffered a heart attack that night and in the morning I was found by my neighbour they were afraid because I had died alone, and that wasn't true. I saw my friends as ghosts, and it was the first time in years I felt peace. After Phil died I was finally standing next to him..Living out on the farm was the best decision I have ever made."

The Sun went down on what was The Firm.

Trivia
NOTHING IN THIS EDIT IS REAL AND IS A WORK OF FICTION. Phil appears in the finale but as a flashback to previous episodes.