In Search of Pride in our Profession

I would like to share a quote by Edmund Burke (political philosopher) that I recently read: "No other profession is more closely connected with actual life than the law. It concerns the highest of all temporal interests of man--property, reputation, the peace of families, the arbitrations and peace of nations, liberty, life even, and the very foundations of society."

When I fear I am turning into a monster of my profession, I am relieved to find inspiring words, like those from Mr. Burke, to remind me of why I worked hard to become a lawyer in the first place.

The Final Chapter - The Defintion

If you recall how this blog was started, we were trying to finesse the definition of professionalism that was formulated by the Task Force. That definition can be found if you scroll to the very, very bottom of this blog, that sort of mass of writing that looks as though it is being transcribed to Moses or is narrating part of a story at the beginning of a Star Wars movie. The final paragraph states:


"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."


Beyond the duty to clients, we generally focus on our ethical responsibilities but not to the extent of improving the profession by increasing the availability of legal services. Do you agree with this responsibility as stated in the draft definition?

A definition of professionalism

I came across another interesting quote in my horribly organized electronic notes that I would like to share; it may be attributed to Lippe the AmLaw optimist or it may have come from an earlier commenter:

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.

Food for thought; if you have any comments or know the source, let me know.

Comments on the Definition

I received a recent comment:

"One thing maybe is that the ALLCAPS presentation of the definition makes it hard to read. Although it does give it that 'handed down from Moses' look . . . ." Well. Looking as though being handed down from Moses outweighs being hard to read--it will remain ALLCAPS!

For those of you who don't know what we are taking about, read the 266-word definition of professionalism at the bottom of the page and let me know if you too think it looks kinda cool (or if you don't have the time to read it all, just look at it and let me know).

Critique of the Definition -- Second paragraph

(If you don't have the draft definition of professionalism fresh in your mind --and why not? -- scroll down to the bottom of the blog, I posted it there.)

Most of the second paragraph of the Definition of Professionalism is relatively uncontroversial, except the third sentence; we'll look at each in turn.


I agree that attorneys have the responsibility to develop their skills and practice diligently in applying those skills on behalf of their clients. We all know the law is evolving, developing one's skills doesn't end after practicing for 5, 10, even 45 years. Applying those skills with diligence is equally important because we are entrusted by our clients in issues of utmost importance that they are not able to handle on their own.


Now, on to the third sentence, I will keep it short- anyone want to comment on churning fees? Feel free to click the "Comments" link below.


Finally, what is left to say about zealous advocacy that you haven't already heard. I guess the last sentence is a reminder to temper it with knowing when to settle.
I complain that the definition is too long, but it does give me lots of fodder. Stay tuned for a critique of the third and final paragraph.

Critique of the Definition -- Part I

My first impression of the first paragraph is that it sounds elitist and is likely to put people off.

And disingenuous . . . If I were to ask a random group of people which profession consists of "a group pursuing a learned art as a higher calling in a spirit that it is performing a public service, a service that is indispensable in a democratic nation . . . ." I can assure you not one will say lawyer. sad, but oh so true.

The public servant concept can be looked at more broadly though; in that way the definition is more palatable to me. It is true that as lawyers we are performing a public service whether we assist an indigent inmate in litigating against the city for improvements during his incarceration, and equally a public service when we assist a billionaire find a loop hole in the contract in which she would rather not continue complying with -- in both examples we are assisting members of society with their everyday goals in a way they couldn't do by themselves, without our assistance and specialization.

(However, thinking of that last example I recall the documentary "Corporation" in which the film places the entire blame of overblown, over powerful corporations on lawyers who set out to use those organizations to enrich themselves and their practices. I thought the historical representation was simplistic, naive, narrow, overstated yes, but we shouldn't err on own by overstating our profession as a "learned art").

I wasn't around for the meeting when the definition was finalized and the snippets were taken from various sources. Was lawyering once upon a time referred to as a "learned art"? Who said that?

Finally, I can't really find fault with the last line: as attorneys we owe "an obligation of dignity, integrity, self-respect and respect for others" but in my view we owe those to each other as human beings, not just as attorneys.

Second paragraph next time . . .

I'm Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is (so to speak) -- Intro

I asked that you take a look at the definition of professionalism and let me know what you think. But, that really wasn't fair and 2 questions come to mind: (1) for a discussion on professionalism why should you be analyzing a definition; and (2) why don't I do it myself.

In regards to question 1, the Task Force likes to use the definition as a starting point for discussion. Not so sexy true, but it is packed with assumptions and value judgments that not everyone agrees with. On the other side of the coin, even though the definition is pretty long, many people bring up important aspects of the profession that the definition has failed to cover. Those opinions often make for a lively start-off to discussions among attorneys.

As for question 2, for the next three posts I will be looking, paragraph by paragraph, at the definition and will let you know what I think. As a teaser, I will let you know right off the bat that I think the definition is too long. With that said, below if the first paragraph of the definition; it is what I will be thinking about for the next couple of days:

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 indispensable 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 an obligation of dignity, integrity, self-respect and respect for others.
. . .

to be continued . . .

Take a Look at the Definition of Professionalism

The Task Force on Professionalism has come up with a working definition of "Professionalism" that I have included on to this blog, at the very bottom on the page. We have asked around for some input on the definition and have received some comments so far, such as: 'pro bono has no place as a requirement in the definition' and 'doesn't address interaction among lawyers.'

Granted as a definition it is long (complete with disclaimers), but if you would take the time to read the definition and give us any comments that you may have, for instance, what you would change or add, we would love to hear from you.

Thanks and regards,