Sycamore Row by John Grisham

Sycamore Row - Jack Brigance, who defended Carl Lee Hailey in A Time to Kill, once again is caught up in a trial that stirs racial tensions in Clanton, Mississippi.  Seth Hubbard, a well known but seclusive (white) man hangs himself from a sycamore tree.  He leaves written instructions for his funeral and mailed a handwritten will to Jack.  The will specifically states that Seth leaves nothing to his children, grandchildren, and ex-wives; but leaves 90% of his estate to his (black) maid Lettie Lang.  The other ten percent is split between Seth's brother, Ancil, and a charity.  The will also claims that Ancil and Seth witnessed a traumatic event in their childhood  The will also states that no other lawyer other than Jack shall gain benefit from the probate of Seth's estate.

Of course, once it is learned that Seth has left over $20 million, mostly in cash, the relatives all hire their own lawyers.  Even Lettie's husband tries to remove Jack and hires his own lawyer.  As Jack proceeds with the probate according to Seth's wishes, he is met by racial opposition as well as the opposition from Seth's children.