My
principles of practice
In order to do something well, you must put all of
yourself into it. For me, practicing law simply for
the money I would earn was an exercise in frustration.
In order for my work to have personal meaning it must
be founded upon principles or values which are reflective
of what I truly believe. This is what I mean by a principled
approach to the practice of law.
In reviewing these principles, the reader should bear
in mind that I am not asking anyone to accept these
principles in lieu of their own values. They are simply
an expression of my inner values and how I guide myself,
both as an individual and as a lawyer.
My principles of practice are:
Integrity
At all times, I will act with integrity. This means
that I must do what I believe to be right. I will discern
what is right by listening to my inner voice. I will
be guided by that internal compass, irrespective of
the external circumstances.
Truth
A lawyer should be a harbinger of truth. In this way,
he can be a beacon for others to follow. In this sense,
truth means fairness. If I am fair, it will help my
clients to define their goals and help them to achieve
those goals in a manner which is fair - not only to
themselves but to others as well.
Efficiency
In this context, efficiency means being able to do the
most for my clients while keeping their best interests
at heart. A person’s best interest is not necessarily
served by getting the most, but rather by achieving
balance so that a sustained solution can be maintained.
Wisdom
Good advice involves more than legal expertise. I am
more than a technician, trained in the law. It is the
quality of my advice by which I will be judged. Legal
problems must always be understood within a broader
life context. Helping a client become clear about their
situation is often the first step in resolving the problem.
Listening
In order to help my clients achieve their true objectives
[which are not necessarily their stated objectives],
I must come to understand where the person is coming
from. This will come from listening to my clients and
attempting to discern the hidden or root concern.
Respect
The solicitor - client relationship is founded upon
mutual respect. Too often, lawyers take a superior posture
with their clients. By having compassion and being approachable,
I can still command the respect of my clients. My clients
should have respect for my legal expertise, just as
I will have respect for their position and their need
for consultation.
Clarity of mission
Having discerned the true objective of each client,
I will have a certain mission with each client. This
clarity of purpose will enable both the lawyer and client
to benefit from their mutual association.
Assertiveness
Clients frequently confuse aggression with strength,
thinking they need the former when they really need
the latter. Assertiveness means having the strength
of character to recognize and pursue the truth. It means
standing up for what is fair while recognizing the attempts
of other lawyers and clients to manipulate and exploit
circumstances for selfish ends.
To have fun
There must always be balance in life. To be effective,
it is important that I enjoy what I do. This means that
I will maintain my sense of humour and not let my client’s
problems drag me down. We all have a serious obligation
not to take life too seriously.
Client Service
My goal with each client is to help them through each
matter, whether it be a business transaction or a court
case, by providing sound advice and an unsurpassed level
of personal service.
Back
to Top
|
