would being a SUCCESSFUL lawyer mean that you would have to sacrifice you beliefs/morals?

if yes, how can you stomach the fact that you've done something that's against your principles? :eek:

Hey, good question. I hope lawyers answer this one.

I think we have to define what "successful" means. Are you talking about money, fame, happiness or something else?

I know a lawyer who still keeps his beliefs and morals. He's doing very well. The problem is he's kinda weird. He has his own sense of morality so I don't really know if he counts.

I personally know lawyers who try not to set aside their beliefs and morals. However, according to them, it's really hard because "kailangan marunong kang makisama." They told me that the problem is the fact that corruption is integrated in the system already. How do they live with themselves? They told me that at least they're trying and they don't really do "immoral" stuff bigtime.

As a law student, I'm hoping that a moral lawyer can still be successful (in terms of money, fame, happines... everything). I really don't think you'd be rich just because you engage in "immoral" stuff and vice-versa. As long as you do a good job then I guess you can be successful. Of couse, what do I know I'm still not practicing so I'm idealistic. Any lawyers out there who can enlighten us?

Let me just say that I've seen senior lawyers in my firm turn down or lose paying clients who wanted to use "extra-legal" means to win their cases.

the first thing that my first law teacher said was that some ateneans dont succeed as lawyers bcause they have their morals pulling them back. then he proceeded to tell us how dirty the practice is and everything. he was also quite frank in telling us that he wasnt a moral person.

well, i suppose we dont have to REALLY sacrifice our morals... just more like stretch it---like stretching the truth. we tell little white lies in our everyday lives; lawyers look for ways to WIN...the end justifies the means.

my sister is a lawyer and she have turned down several cases because it is against her morals and beliefs.

i'm not a lawyer but i also encounter similar situations where i really need to weigh the circumstances against my beliefs.

I think that would have to be your choice.

Everyday, lawyers and non-lawyers, are invariably confronted with choices that call for moral judgments and choices. The fact that we lawyers are called upon to exercise this judgment or discretion, in the exercise of our profession, does not diminish absolute moral truths. Shall I say, the person you are dictates the (moral) decisions you have to make, whether in your profession or in the other facets of your life.