4 answers
William
Student
Ephrata
4
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How do lawyer effect their community in a good way
and how do they effect their community in a bad way.
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4 answers
April Perry
5
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
April’s Answer
Lawyers are in a unique position where have the knowledge, skill, and access to information to help others by protecting their rights. Additionally, we provide impact in areas outside of the legal profession by helping small businesses and providing economic empowerment to those less fortunate. Lawyers negatively affect the community my not speaking up for truth. Some lawyers remain silent when rights are violated and do not step forward to defend the rights of others. However, many lawyers representing the legal profession well and fight for what is right. Aim to serve as a beacon of integrity and leadership within your area of law.
Andrii Buznytskyi
Tax Consultant
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Andrii’s Answer
Regardless of where a lawyer works - whether at a law firm or as in-house counsel - they may be involved in “pro bono” cases, providing legal assistance to low-income individuals or working on matters of community importance. For example, lawyers at law firms may defend people facing the death penalty (especially in cases of injustice), represent individuals who have been defrauded and lack the resources for legal representation, or assist those with immigration issues.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
457
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi William - what an interesting question! The first part of the answer involves defining "good" and "bad". Your definitions may differ from mine, which is fine. My incomplete definition of "good" includes actions that protect the environment, preserve civil rights, uphold rules on worker safety and rights, etc. On the other side, my incomplete definition of "bad" includes actions that do the opposite, assist or overlook criminal actions, stymy enforcement of existing laws, etc.
So lawyers affect communities in a good way when they represent clients or take on cases that support the issues mentioned above (or whatever you deem good). They could do this for pay or what they choose to do "pro bono", literally translated to "for good." When they represent clients or take on cases in the opposite, they do things that are "bad" for the community. But often, making these judgements is difficult. Maybe the person or organization being sued or doing the suing is good in this case but bad in other ways or vice versa. Also, everyone is entitled to be represented so you may represent someone who turns out to be guilty. This is an important principle so it would be good to uphold it, and maybe you could convince them to accept a plea deal, which would save time and money. But it could be viewed bad to help a guilty party.
I hope this helps you frame your thinking about this question. Good luck!
So lawyers affect communities in a good way when they represent clients or take on cases that support the issues mentioned above (or whatever you deem good). They could do this for pay or what they choose to do "pro bono", literally translated to "for good." When they represent clients or take on cases in the opposite, they do things that are "bad" for the community. But often, making these judgements is difficult. Maybe the person or organization being sued or doing the suing is good in this case but bad in other ways or vice versa. Also, everyone is entitled to be represented so you may represent someone who turns out to be guilty. This is an important principle so it would be good to uphold it, and maybe you could convince them to accept a plea deal, which would save time and money. But it could be viewed bad to help a guilty party.
I hope this helps you frame your thinking about this question. Good luck!
Thank you, Martha for the advice.
Jose Casas Prats
Account Operations Manager
10
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Jose’s Answer
Hello William,
A lawyer's primary mission is to guarantee the fundamental right to defense and legal assistance, so their influence must be considered positive in this regard.
However, the practice of law, like any other profession, is not exempt from the risk of negative consequences. Thus, one might consider the consequences of obtaining the acquittal of a presumably guilty defendant, or one might question the medical care of a criminal injured by the police or the psychological treatment of a sexual predator for their reintegration into society, but ultimately, they are just professionals trying to do their job well.
Don't let the potential negative consequences of practicing law frustrate your vocation, because no profession is exempt from potential negative consequences.
A lawyer's primary mission is to guarantee the fundamental right to defense and legal assistance, so their influence must be considered positive in this regard.
However, the practice of law, like any other profession, is not exempt from the risk of negative consequences. Thus, one might consider the consequences of obtaining the acquittal of a presumably guilty defendant, or one might question the medical care of a criminal injured by the police or the psychological treatment of a sexual predator for their reintegration into society, but ultimately, they are just professionals trying to do their job well.
Don't let the potential negative consequences of practicing law frustrate your vocation, because no profession is exempt from potential negative consequences.