Copyright 1992 American Lawyer Media, L.P. The
Recorder
March 16, 1992, Monday
SECTION: Bar Talk; Pg. 2
LENGTH: 353 words
HEADLINE: Cults: If You Can't Beat 'em .
BYLINE: Stephen G. Hirsch
Wilson represented a former est trainer, a high-ranking member of Erhard's inner circle, who sought $ 2 million claiming she was fired because of a plant to rid the business of older women and because she had spoken out against Erhard's unrealistic and often destructive demands.
Wilson's client won only $ 28,400 and the lawyer retreated to his core practice, representing securities fraud plaintiffs.
One might have thought Wilson would have washed his hands of the whole sordid affair, but earlier this month his name resurfaced in a curious context. He is taking on the anti-cult movement. What's more, his client is a member of the Church of Scientology -- Erhard's arch rival -- which for years as accused Erhard of making a fortune by ripping off Scientology's teachings.
Wilson's client, Corry Trammel, claims that because of his religious affiliation he was denied membership to the Cult Awareness Network -- an Illinois-based group best known for abducting and deprogramming cult members.
Wilson's latest endeavor likely comes as no surprise to Erhard and his followers. During last year's trial they were convinced the lawyer was in bed with Scientology. They claimed Scientology was feeding Wilson dirt about Erhard and that the case was merely a pretext to generate negative publicity about est and its successor, The Forum.
Wilson, of Wilson, Ryan & Campilongo, acknowledges that his current representation of a Scientologist will only add fuel to the conspiracy theory but says he has never been involved with Scientology until now. He says a high school friend -- a high-ranking Scientologist -- put him in touch with Trammel.
As for representing Scientology less than a year after attacking its reputed clone, Wilson responds frankly.
"There's a lot more money in defending cults than in attacking them."
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