By Dean D. Stein, CMA

ALL THE INTERESTS OF MAN 
THAT ARE COMPRISED UNDER
THE CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES
GIVEN TO LIFE, LIBERTY AND PROPERTY , 
ARE IN THE PROFESSIONAL KEEPING
OF LAWYERS

That is my favorite legal quote from Justice Frankfurter, long ago on the Supreme Court (served 1939 to 1962). To me, it sums up the role of the lawyer in the world. That of solemn protector of our “inalienable” rights. Most lawyers would probably keep this type of quote, or at least similar thoughts, in the front of their mind as they practice law. After all, it is not the role of the lawyer to just “get someone off the hook” or to “get something done” for a client, at any cost. Far from it. True it is the role of the lawyer to make sure that a person gets a zealous defense and to handle a clients legal matter diligently and vigorously, but in doing so, the lawyer must adhere to certain rules of professional and ethical conduct. The State is called to prove their case in a criminal matter, and not permitted to convict by mere accusation. Would we really want it any other way? The lawyer is there to make sure the rules are followed, and that in following the rules, justice is applied equally to all. The lawyer is, when at his best, the privileged guardian of those sacred rights. The lawyer must place the interests of their client above any personal considerations the lawyer may have, especially the lawyer's own financial considerations. When a lawyer does this, each and every time, each and every case, each and every client, then the benefits derived from the privilege of practicing law will naturally flow to them. When it comes to your facing the legal system, to right a wrong of any sort, the only person present in that matter, that is entirely dedicated to your cause and your cause alone, is your lawyer. 

This article is generally based on Alabama law, the law of your state can vary widely. This is not intended to constitute, nor should be taken by you as legal advice and is not intended and does not create an attorney/client relationship.

Dean Stein, CMA, is an attorney who has a Masters degree in business and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).