PROBLEM AREAS UNDER LEGAL ETHICS UNDER ATTY.

LURICA

Name: Katherine P. Atienza

Assignment – 1

Is legal ethics an oxymoron?

An oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing
and/or contradictory. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in
conversation as a contradiction in terms. In relation to this, the question arises, is the
word “Legal Ethics” an oxymoron? One which denotes two words that are contradictory
or opposing each other?

The legal profession when seen from the point of view of scholarly books or
articles, is regarded as a noble profession known to be reposed with the highest degree
of trust and confidence and concerns of the public’s interest in the administration of
justice. As such, the law deemed it necessary to impose certain canons or rules for
every law practitioner to follow in order to keep up with its moral standard.

When we speak of ethical standards in the legal practice, the Code of

Professional Responsibility often comes to mind. It is the set of rules one must follow in
order for one to maintain the status as a “lawyer”. However, we fail to consider that
even if one follows these rules, one may still fail to meet the standard of the true
profession, standards calling for fearless advocacy within established canons of service.
One example may be that a lawyer is a quasi-judicial officer of the court as he aids in
the administration of justice but on the other hand, he is one hired by his client to
defend him in his dealings whether it be his liberty or property. One example of this is
when a lawyer’s services is employed by a murderer. From laymen’s point of view, a
lawyer will be viewed as a money grabbing person who is willing to defend even
murders just to earn cash.

But still, even if scenarios like the above example exists, I can regard the word
“Legal ethics” as more of a paradox than an oxymoron. Initially, from a layman’s point
of view one cannot be a legal practitioner and still be ethical at the same time, however
with applied thought, the term makes sense.

For one to be ethical, he must have integrity and honesty. It means trying to do
the right thing, living one's values and showing concern for others and for society. To
compliment the above example discussed, a lawyer is reposed with the highest degree
 PROBLEM AREAS UNDER LEGAL ETHICS UNDER ATTY. LURICA

of trust and confidence by his client, he is expected to defend the client whether it be
by hook or by crook, moreover such act is in consonance with the legal principle that a
man is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Thus, from a plain view, the legal profession may be seen from first glance as
unethical but if the word itself is digested together with the fact that obligations are
imposed on lawyers, it can be said that there is an honest an active effort to keep the
profession as noble and ethical. To this end it is prudent that audibly hinged rules of
conduct are introduced not only so that the legal profession is aware of their ethical
obligations but also because this is in the public interest.