Vital Role

"Lawyers play a vital role in the preservation of society." Whoa.

This message concludes the preamble to the model rules of professional conduct.

It is a doozey.

We can insert all the centuries' old jokes about lawyers being sketchy,

and yet, our self-regulated profession calls us to remember our role in society.

If you haven't read the preamble to our ethics rules--ever or recently--I encourage you to do so.

It is a weighty summary of our duties--to our profession, clients, and colleagues, yes, and to our country.

As we wrap up the 250th celebration of our nation--a great, imperfect union--I hope you'll remember that, as lawyers, we have a calling.

A calling to better the profession, yes, and to preserve and improve our nation, its systems, and its justice.

✌🏻🔥♥️