International Law

Each year at Yom Kippur (Jewish Day of Atonement) I say a prayer asking for forgiveness for (amongst other things) being arrogant. I did not always think that this applied to me.

I recall responding, when I was a young lawyer, to a client's observation that lawyers were privileged with a sharp retort that, on the contrary, lawyers had huge obligations and responsibilities.  But the truth is that lawyers are indeed privileged and failure by many lawyers to recognise that privilege does lead to arrogance.

What privilege am I talking about? The privilege of working in a profession that is respected for its ethical standards and commitment to justice and the rule of law. The privilege of being able to earn a good income. Yes, these privileges come with obligations but the benefits must not be underestimated or abused.

How can a young lawyer (or indeed any professional of any age) combat arrogance?

The simplest way is to put clients first.

Here are some everyday rules:

• remember that it's the client's matter;
• never make promises you can't keep;
• obtain full instructions (don't jump to conclusions);
• anticipate problems;
• clients are people: know and understand them;
• listen hard;
• discuss fees;
• don't send rude letters (draft them, but don't send them);
• give your clients understandable advice;
• be practical.
  

Don't go into partnership with any person unless they are like-minded and hold the same values.

This post has been inspired by Blawg Review #142