Efron Is "The Associate"

Zac Efron is attached to both star in and produce the long in development adaptation of author John Grisham's legal thriller novel "The Associate" says The Wrap.

The story follows a student (Efron) who's about to graduate from Yale Law School when he's manipulated into accepting a job at a prestigious  law firm and given privileged information about a multimillion dollar lawsuit between two powerful defense contractors.

William Monahan wrote the original adapted screenplay back when Shia Labeouf and director Tony Scott were attached.

That version fell through due to monetary issues. Another attempt was made two years ago with Andrew Garfield pegged to star.

 A new writer is expected to be hired shortly--starting from scratch.

Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher will also produce the new version.