Introduction

This is a damning condemnation of society in general, but especially of those who are entrusted with the pursuit of justice. Most lawyers enter the profession saying they want to help people or make a difference, and they are counted upon to do so. However, the majority end up working for firms where their only concern is to win whatever case is put before them regardless of the social costs of winning that case or the opportunity costs of not taking on others. Individual goals and notions of serving the common good are exchanged for making money for the firm and enjoying a share of the profits. How do lawyers find themselves in this position? The answer seems to be that this is what successful people do. It’s hardly a stretch to say that those who become lawyers have an interest in being “successful.” It is a career that requires a large initial investment of time and money, and which ultimately rewards its professionals with status, prestige, and affluence. But what reason do we have to equate wealth with success in the first place? There is no reason to believe that the actions which the profit motive incentivizes coincide with those that promote an individual’s sense of self-worth and well-being. There is even less reason to believe that these actions will necessarily further justice or benefit society. The pursuit of wealth runs the risk of reducing legal practice to a commercial enterprise instead of a justice system and lawyers to salesmen instead of advocates for justice.

The Pursuit of Wealth

Redefining Success for the Individual

Redefining Success for the Legal Professional

-- ErikaKrystian - 06 Apr 2008