TFP BLOG: Observations on the topic of professionalism

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Observations on the topic of professionalism

I read a great article the other day; following is one of the many choice quotes:

"Lawyers in top management positions sometimes seem befuddled, if not irritated, when professionalism is mentioned at all. At times it is dismissed as an antiquated notion out of the annals of nineteenth century fin de siecle novels. Even if acknowleged, it seems at times to get pawned off on half-baked programs devoted to such flinty notions as 'mentoring' or 'inns of court' or special committees on 'collegiality' and law firm life, things to add to the practice of law, not integral to it."

credit for the quote goes to Robert E. Shapiro, Advance Sheet, Litigation, Vol. 34 No. 2 (Winter 2008).

What do YOU think? agree or not?
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NYCLA DRAFT DEFINITION OF PROFESSIONALISM

By professionalism we mean a group pursuing a learned art as a higher calling in a spirit that it is performing a public service, a service that is indispensible in a democratic nation founded on the rule of law. This calling is no less a public service because it may also be a means of livelihood. Pursuit of a learned art in the spirit of a public service is the essence of being a lawyer. It implies obligations of dignity, integrity, self-respect and respect for others.

The essence of professionalism is a commitment to develop one's skills to the fullest and to apply them responsibly and with the utmost diligence to the problem at hand. Professionalism requires adherence to the highest standards of integrity and a willingness to subordinate narrow self-interest in pursuit of the more fundamental goal of client service. Because of the tremendous power they wield in our system, lawyers must never forget that their duty to serve their clients fairly and skillfully takes priority over the personal accumulation of wealth. Lawyers must be willing and prepared to undertake zealous advocacy on behalf of their clients while retaining enough perspective to provide those clients with considered, well-informed and objective advice.

Although duties to their clients in particular matters are paramount, lawyers must throughout their careers remain conscious of and committed to the goal of improving the profession and the system of justice. This commitment includes taking personal and professional measures to increase the availability of legal services and abet even-handed and efficient application and administration of the legal system for all segments of society.