You do not have to work in the legal world to know that lawyers have a bad reputation. Endless television dramas depict the wheeling and dealing, the greed, and the subtle (or not so subtle) backstabbing, not to mention the lawyer jokes, have left many with a negative view of legal professionals. A quick google search will show that lawyers frequent the top of the list of most distrusted professionals.
So, do we really believe that being a competent or a successful lawyer is synonymous with being untrustworthy and unethical? Do lawyers really need to forsake one for the other? Surely a competent lawyer can not only be, but should be, an ethical one too.
What is not readily acknowledged by detractors is that a law degree provides students with a solid foundation in critical thinking, professional ethics, problem solving, resilience, flexibility, perseverance, and research skills. Moreover, the successful completion of an accredited law degree (such as that provided by the University of New England School of Law) is a prerequisite to becoming a legal practitioner. The majority of lawyers are hardworking individuals who seek to serve the best interests of their client, operate through a lens of public service, and promote the rule of law.
The legal profession aims to ensure a fair and equitable legal system, advocate for legal reform, promote and maintain high standards of integrity in the profession, to protect and promote human rights, and ensure access to justice. Most lawyers strive to be ethical, professional, provide good client service, and help people solve problems. However, not all lawyers maintain professional standards. Lawyers like other people are subject to moral turpitude.
Society requires lawyers in order to facilitate the settlement of disputes, promote the public interest, and assess legal risks and ensure measure are put in place to avoid pitfalls. Nonetheless, highly competent lawyers who support the workings of society are perceived as untrustworthy.
The stereotypical assessment of lawyers of being arrogant, combative, greedy, intimidating, devious, dishonest, manipulative, unempathetic, and amoral is challenged by ABC’s Australian Story on Jennifer Robinson, which provides a nuanced perspective on the life of an extraordinary legal professional.
Dr Kip Werren
Lecturer
UNE Law School
Really looking forward to watching this episode of Australian Story Kip – thank you for sharing!
It is dis find it really disappointing that the public perception of the legal profession is such a negative and distrustful one. Where would Australian society be without such prominent members of the profession such as Michael Kirby and many others?!
Studying law at UNE has been a rewarding challenge and I look forward to (hopefully!) joining the profession relatively soon.