Today when I opened up my mailbox, I came across an envelope with a cheery holiday greeting inside, from my attorney.
Gee, what a surprise!
I don't recall ever receiving such a welcome surprise in the mail from a lawyer, unless it was a check, of course!
Years ago, a friend in the legal profession informed me, that when it came to legal Eagles, "...some wear white hats, and others wear black."
The truth of the matter is ...most naive students go into Law because they are under the impression it is a noble profession, worthwhile pursuing.
But somehow, along the long and winding road, a handful get corrupted.
Yeah, for the most part, attorneys have a bad rep.
One business associate assures me he'll never vote for Candidate John Edwards, after all, "...he's an attorney, not to be trusted."
From experience, I am inclined to conjecture that the ranks at the State Bar are comprised of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Yes, lawyers come in a garden variety...from ambulance chasers, to rights' fighters, to those opposed to police brutality (who usually end up in the brig for something as silly as tax evasion).
One of my favorite attorney jokes?
"It is unfair to believe everything we hear about lawyers because some of it might not be true." (Gerald F. Lieberman )
You can always figure out who is the attorney in a crowded room...when anyone enters unannounced, the attorney is the last to glance up to acknowledge the individual - after all - he's under the impression he's the most important person in the room. He'll take note when he's darn-well ready to!
In a bank, or in a Hotel Lobby, you can always pick 'em out, too - they're the precise ones always dotting their "i's" and crossing their "t's", among other things.
Ever notice that a lawyer is quiet before answering a question you've posed 'em? That's because they've been taught to think before they leap - er - speak; yes, the sly devils are painfully aware there are serious ramifications for musing out-of-turn. Hillary Clinton is a classic example of what happens when this principle theory of lawyering goes unchecked.
There have been a proliferation of attorney jokes over the years, but the truth of the matter is - as soon as a person gets into trouble with the Law - who do they call first?
You got it - a legal rep - to be sure!
I think folks are jealous 'cause lawyers have control over client trust accounts, are usually put in charge of distributing estates (guaranteeing a hefty administration fee, to boot) and quite generally, are given the benefit of the doubt by professionals and officials all around - being an officer of the court - and all.
So, of course, an unethical law "man" (or woman) may succumb to temptation and the urge to - ah! - co-mingle funds.
As the old saying goes, "...there's a bad apple in every cart."
So, of course, a sorry few will be tempted to eat the forbidden fruit...the spoils of their profession.
I suppose if there was no strife in the world, or quarreling within social circles - and people were inclined to keep their promises - there would be no need for lawyers, that's for sure.
But, until there is "Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward Men", I expect we'll have to put up with 'em.
Til then, Happy Holidays, all 'ya barristers, each and every one!
