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Is there any way to be an honest lawyer?

I want to go into the field of law because I believe I am good at debating, but I have heard that to be a lawyer you must have no morals. Is this true? #law #lawyer #humanities

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Ro’s Answer

LAWYERS aren't LIARS, at least the good ones aren't! Yes, there are definitely bad apples, but every profession has them. Depending on what kind of law you want to practice, the opportunities to cheat the system or lose your morals will vary greatly because there can be "gray" areas, or areas of interpretation that a lawyer must assess. That being said, you make the choices - and since it sounds like keeping a clean conscience is important to you, I'm sure you will be able to keep your nose clean and be proud of the work you do.
You mentioned debate, so I am assuming you want to be in court - there are many kinds of law you can practice on both the civil and criminal side. Law has many specialties, so consider which field of law you are interested in. If you are serious about becoming an attorney, get good grades in college and prepare for the LSAT. After you get into and eventually graduate from law school, you'll probably face a few scenarios where your morals will be tested in small ways (ex: accurately marking your time sheets, billing clients correctly, completing pro bono requirements of a firm, etc.) - but if you stay honest in the small things, you'll have the practice and ability to stay honest for the big things as well. As a former attorney, I hope to welcome you to the legal profession soon!
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Carolyn’s Answer

I do not believe that to be a lawyer you do not have any morals - I would never have become a lawyer if that was a qualifier. Every attorney makes his/her own path and reputation by the manner in which they conduct themselves. I think that I am a very good lawyer and I can say that I have never done anything in my legal career that would not allow me to look myself in the mirror and be proud of the lawyer that I am. I also have a reputation among my clients as being very trustworthy and am held in high regard for doing the right thing. Don't be deterred from a legal career if that is what you want to do. Make yourself an attorney that you can be proud of. Have high morals and standards and never deviate from having them - do what is right always. You can always choose not to take a case if it is going to cause you to have to behave in a manner that is against your moral fiber. Just like every occupation there are some bad eggs in the legal field and unfortunately those are the ones that you see on TV and being disbarred, etc., but you can be a good moral person and become a great lawyer. Follow your dreams and be good and moral at whatever you choose to do!!
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Richard’s Answer

My wife is a bankruptcy attorney. She follows the bankruptcy code, tries to glean as much information from her clients as she can to disclose assets to the trustee, and tries to help her clients to the best of her ability. She works for a small firm so there is no pressure to bill in a dishonest fashion.
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Babita’s Answer

In any field you opt for, it is your own conscience which decides whether you want to be honest or not. Work with integrity and honesty always, whatever your field and you will always be happy if not filthy rich. End of the day, it is what matters to you that matters. A clean conscience never hurt anyone. All the best for a fantastic future :-)

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Estelle’s Answer

Yes, of course. There are all types of lawyers including tax attorneys, family lawyers, and contract lawyers. There are plenty of intelligent, well- intentioned attorneys. It is up to you to stay honest in your career because there will be ample opportunity to stray from your moral code just like in any job.
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