Florida Catholic | Seeking Honest Lawyers

Seeking honest lawyers

Ethics seminar reminds attorneys to practice ‘with a conscience’.

DANIEL SOÑÉ | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 02.27.08

Former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno shared her motivation for being a lawyer – making a difference and pursuing justice and said that, not money, should be a motivation for all lawyers.
DANIEL SOÑÉ | FC

MorningStar Renewal Center:
7275 S.W. 124 St., Miami
(next to St. Louis Parish)
Telephone: 305-238-4367
www.morningstarrenewal.org
Info@morningstarrenewal.org

PINECREST | Miami attorney Terry L. Fogel put it bluntly, telling more than 50 of her colleagues and law students gathered Feb. 15 at MorningStar Renewal Center that “right now, lawyers have a reputation that puts us just below used-car salesmen.”

“How can we change that?” asked Fogel, alluding to the topic of the half-day seminar that featured a priest who teaches philosophy, the president of the Florida Bar and former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

The seminar focused on how lawyers can and should adhere to moral principles while practicing law.

The day began with the attorneys raising their right hands and reciting the oath they first took when they were admitted to the bar.

The oath lists a set of ethical principles and responsibilities to which lawyers are bound. Violating these principles can result in disbarment — the inability to practice law.

Corrupt lawyers give a black eye to the profession and cause great distrust both within the legal community and in the public sphere, speakers said. “How often do we see lawyers taking cases they shouldn’t be taking, deferring funds, and conducting themselves in ways that are not in the best interests of the client, but are for their own advantage irrespective of the harm they are causing?” Fogel asked. “It is our responsibility to address any wrongdoing, even if it means bringing that stray lawyer to the (attention of the) bar.”

Father Robert M. Vallee, who teaches philosophy at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, described corruption as “a loss of vision. If you don’t keep your vision, you’re lost. You’ve gone astray. It’s that simple.”

“What motivates me the most is a good case to litigate, a good problem to solve. It is one of the greatest joys to seek justice,” said Reno.

However, she added, pride in one’s work alone does not make a person a great lawyer, but rather a dedication to serve others and “do it the right way.”

Francisco R. Angones, president of the Florida Bar, said a lawyer cannot be separated from his conscience. It should be an integral part of his practice.

“Lawyers have the great ability to do good deeds. We have great examples such as C. Clyde Atkins, Chesterfield Smith and Henry Latimer. Our conscience is central to anyone, especially to lawyers, because we should have a more attuned conscience,” Angones said.

The seminar was part of the retreat center’s ongoing “My Faith in Practice” series aimed at lay professionals.

Return to the Archdiocese of Miami Front Page

Seeking honest lawyers

Other Stories