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[mikstew]

Despite the fact that UBC (along with, I presume, every other law school in the US and Canada) takes the presumptuous position that ethics in the legal sense can a) be correctly defined by the Law Society of a given jurisdiction, and b) can somehow overwrite existing moral codes, an insightful article was brought to my attention. I wish to pass the benefit off to those that may not have had the same opportunity, and those who are contemplating entering law school with a view to practice in BigLaw, whether it is in the US or Canada.

The article is written by an American laywer-turned federal Judge, Patrick Schiltz. He reflects on his experiences at law firms, and the health and happiness of the profession (more accurately, the lack thereof).

I recommend the read to those interested in law firms the most, but it is worthwhile for anyone wishing to enter the profession. In so doing, I must also warn that, while the writer is a person of reputable character, and much of the writing is supported by strong research and statistical analyses, much of it is also the opinion of a single person, and as with anything else, individual mileage may vary.

Indeed, we first year's of UBC were fortunate enough to have a talk given by Derek La Croix, the president of the Legal Assistance Program in BC (provides support for LAWYERS, not clients), who attempted to rebut, and at times convincingly rebutted, some of Schiltz's arguments.

My second warning is that if you undertake reading the somewhat lengthy article, for god's sake don't stop halfway through!

http://www.averyinde...thy_ethical.php