B.J. McNamara poured his first cup of morning coffee and stared through the big picture window in his office at the Gulf of Mexico. The view had been a major factor in deciding to purchase the small barnwood building five years ago. No matter how stressful his cases, or difficult his clients, looking out at the jet skis and sailboats riding the whitecaps always managed to soothe him and give him perspective.

He wished the view would help him now as he waited for his ten ...