My priorities today were badly skewed. I spent the entire sunny part of the day
indoors working on weblog matters, and most of that time fretting over the Valentine
Divorce Lawyer. It was almost sunset when I first realized that today is the
birthday of a lawyer I’d much prefer thinking and talking about: Abraham Lincoln.
A year ago, I wrote asking how Abe Lincoln, Esq. would have defined the fiduciary
duties of a lawyer when setting fees, and stated:
I’m afraid that many lawyers never consider fiduciary principles in the
context of fees. That oversight goes a long way toward explaining how
the legal profession managed to squander the goodwill that was its legacy
from honest Abraham Lincoln.
That post led to one of my favorite pieces on this weblog, “A Lincolnesque Law Practice?“,
which describes Mr. Lincoln’s practice and concludes with some of his advice to young
lawyers, including:
“The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every other calling, is
diligence.“
you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser — in fees,
expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of
being a good man. There will still be business enough.”
belief [that lawyers are dishonest] — resolve to be honest at all events; and if in your
own judgment you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a
lawyer. Choose some other occupation, rather than one in the choosing of which you
do, in advance, consent to be a knave.”
Those posts were soon followed by Lawyer Lincoln Was a Bargain and, during the 2004
election campaign, ATLA, Lincoln and Tort Reform. I’m glad I remembered to take some
time and space for Lawyer Abe Lincoln today. The public would have a lot more respect
for his profession if today’s lawyers stopped more frequently to think about his example —
diligence, competence, honesty, and fees that are professional, not princely.
February 12, 2005
don’t forget Lawyer Abe
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Abe is my favorite President. (OK, he is the favorite of many). Thanks for reminding us of what he had to say.
Comment by JR — February 12, 2005 @ 11:17 pm
Abe is my favorite President. (OK, he is the favorite of many). Thanks for reminding us of what he had to say.
Comment by JR — February 12, 2005 @ 11:17 pm
I’m glad you appreciate the man, JR. Now walk da walk.
Comment by David Giacalone — February 13, 2005 @ 12:26 am
I’m glad you appreciate the man, JR. Now walk da walk.
Comment by David Giacalone — February 13, 2005 @ 12:26 am