In the assigned digital textbook, read the article "Common Misconceptions: Lawyers are Unethical and Greedy." Briefly answer question number 3 under "Think About It."

Common Misconceptions Lawyers are Unethical and Greedy Many people view attorneys as fair game for jokes and may actually believe they are greedy, misbehaving opportunists. The perceived misbehavior justifies the generalization that "all lawyers are shysters." In reality, the vast majority of attorneys are professionals operating with high ethical standards.

In fact, the American Bar Association (ABA) developed the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility as a guide to navigate the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by attorneys. The document is extensive and includes guidance to attorneys on topics such as preserving the confidences and secrets of a client, exercising independent professional judgment on behalf of the client, and the requirement that the client be represented completely, zealously, fully, and within the bounds of the law.

Most prosecutors and public defenders acquire these positions to help people and improve the functioning of the legal system; rarely do the majority of lawyers make a lot of money. Harvard Law School states, for example, that assistant district attorneys earn between $35,000 and $90,000 annually. Criminal defense attorneys earn an average salary of $50,000 to $130,000. Keep in mind that many of these same individuals are paying off extensive educational debt.

Think About It

1. Would you complete 4 years of college and 3 years of law school to earn less than $100,000 per year? Do you believe that attorneys are motivated by money only? What would motivate you?

2. What do you think would be the most just punishment for an unethical attorney? Why? Do you think it would deter other attorneys from acting unethically?

3. As an attorney you are required to represent a defendant who clearly committed multiple gruesome homicides. Given your professional duties as defined by the ABA, you must represent your client completely, zealously, fully, and within the confines of the law. How, then, do you respond to members of the public who want to know how you could possibly defend such a client?