Discussion (1L): Legal Ethics: An Oxymoron?

Catalog description

National polls consistently rank lawyers as very low on the ethical/trustworthiness scale. For example, a recent Gallup Poll indicated that only 16% of respondents viewed lawyers as trustworthy. In this seminar we will explore the roots of the view that lawyers often act unethically? Is this perception accurate? If so, why? Are there inherent aspects of (even ethical) lawyers' roles -- particularly in adversarial contexts -- that inevitably trigger public contempt? During each session, we will explore these and related questions through an in-depth study of a particular example of lawyers' behavior (and, at times, misbehavior). Elements used in grading: Full attendance, reading of assigned materials, and active participation