Law & Professionalism
A 2009 research paper by the Law and Society Association asserts that "the American public holds lawyers in low esteem, viewing them as greedy, fundamentally unethical and willing to go to any lengths for the acquittal of a guilty client." The legal industry is attempting to eradicate these negative stereotypes through education, discussion and their commitment to uphold a high level of professionalism in law.
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Background
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The legal industry has often been accused of a lack of professionalism. The evidence usually cited for this claim consists of examples of lawyers using misleading facts, unfair personal attacks or other inappropriate tactics during trial.The American Bar Association (ABA) created the Center for Professional Responsibility in 1978 whose goal is "advanc[ing] the public interest by promoting and encouraging high ethical conduct and professionalism by lawyers and judges."
Definition and Purpose
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According to Judge James L. Graham, a senior district court judge in Ohio, maintaining professionalism in the legal industry has four main components, "character, competency, civility and service." By practicing these principles, judges and lawyers can better serve their clients. It also allows them to, as the ABA explains, enhance "respect for the rule of law, the legal process, the legal profession and the judiciary."
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Solutions
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The ABA and other legal professionals agree that education is key to establishing and maintaining a high level of professionalism in the industry. The Center for Professional Responsibility sponsors a commission on professionalism that encourages ongoing education through "discussion and resolution" of professionalism dilemmas among judges and lawyers. Additionally, most law schools have classes on ethics and professionalism so students can learn standards of professionalism early and maintain those habits throughout their careers.
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References
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