The holidays are a time for celebration, reflection and resolution. As lawyers who represent lawyers and other professionals, we’ve been focusing our reflections on the scandals surrounding some of our most revered institutions: This year, churches, law schools and universities fell into disrepute along with corrupt politicians and multi-national corporations. The juxtaposition of scandal and the occupation of Dilworth Plaza seemed more than coincidental and as we passed the tent city each day, we wondered: Have our institutions failed us and are they really beyond repair?
It’s clear that lawyers can’t fix everything that’s wrong with the world, though many of us became lawyers because we wanted to help people and make a positive contribution to society. We can help our public and private institutions by continuing to support robust ethical cultures in our firms and by assisting our clients’ businesses and organizations in their efforts to do the same. It’s not rocket science, but common sense, and it takes determination and perseverance. Here are some basic steps you can take to help foster an ethical culture where you work and for your clients.
