1 definition by J. Peterson
A zealous advocate acting as an agent for a client. The duty to the client is a fiduciary duty, the highest duty the law can impose. As a result of this duty a lawyer is required to obtain extensive knowledge of the law along with a high level of legal research and analysis skills. Another result of the fiduciary duty is that the attorney must act in the client's best interest regardless of personal interests or moral objections. The lawyer must use any tool given by the law to ensure the most attractive outcome for the client, including technicalities and vague language.
Lawyers are often criticized for the duties they are bound to uphold. Lawyers are also criticized for following poorly written laws that they are bound to follow, created by the legislative branch of government, which represents the people.
Lawyers are the people's most important defense against governmental and private intrusions on personal and property rights.
Lawyers knowledge of the law makes abuse of their duties especially dangerous to a society that relies on them.
Lawyers are the people's most important defense against governmental and private intrusions on personal and property rights.
Lawyers knowledge of the law makes abuse of their duties especially dangerous to a society that relies on them.
by J. Peterson March 23, 2006