LAWYERS - CAN THEY POLICE THEMSELVES? (FROM READINGS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 1978-1979, - ANNUAL EDITIONS BY DONAL E J MACNAMARA - SEE NCJ-47702)

• NCJ Number: 47718
• Author(s): J KIDNEY
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 3 pages
• Corporate Author: Dushkin/McGraw Hill Publishing Group, Inc
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: REPRINTED FROM U S NEWS AND WORLD REPORT (JUNE 6, 1977)

Annotation

EVIDENCE THAT THE LEGAL PROFESSION IS INCREASING ITS EFFORTS TO RID THE PROFESSION OF DISHONEST AND INCOMPETENT PRACTITIONERS IS CITED.

Abstract

THE DRIVE TO UPGRADE THE PROFESSION IS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN THE HOPES OF RESTORING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE BAR AFTER THE PUBLICITY SURROUNDING WATERGATE AND THE CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES OF LAWYERS HOLDING POSITIONS OF PUBLIC TRUST. MANY STATE BAR ASSOCIATIONS ARE RESPONDING TO COMPLAINTS THAT LAWYERS HAVE EITHER STOLEN MONEY FROM THEIR CLIENTS OR NEGLECTED THEIR DUTIES IN COURT. EVIDENCE OF THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: A 172-PERCENT INCREASE SINCE 1973 IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN AGAINST ATTORNEYS BY GROUPS SET UP BY LAWYERS; CENTRALIZATION OF RECORDS AT THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION'S OFFICE SO THAT BAR OFFICIALS IN ONE STATE CAN KNOW WHETHER A LAWYER SEEKING TO PRACTICE THERE HAS BEEN PUNISHED ELSEWHERE; ESTABLISHMENT OF FUNDS BY THE BAR OR LEGISLATURE IN MOST STATES TO RESTORE FINANCIAL LOSSES TO CLIENTS WHO CAN PROVE THEY WERE CHEATED BY THEIR LAWYERS; AND A VOICE FOR LAYPERSONS IN DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES IN A NUMBER OF STATES. ASPECTS OF THE CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE THE LEGAL PROFESSION ARE DISCUSSED, WITH QUOTES FROM BAR ASSOCIATION OFFICIALS AND OTHERS. DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS FOR ERRANT LAWYERS ARE NOTED, AND GUIDELINES FOR AVOIDING PROBLEMS WHEN HIRING AN ATTORNEY ARE PRESENTED. (LKM)