LAWYERS, MISCONDUCT AND INTEGRITY
It all comes down to integrity
We all make mistakes. Period. However, there is a difference between making mistakes and intentionally doing something wrong. Many belief that it is a lawyer’s second nature doing things wrong on purpose, especially lying and violating the truth. I have met such lawyers (who hasn’t?), but also many more who have high standards of integrity.
Lawyers / attorneys often must face misperceptions and negative images of their activities communicated through the media. In truth, allegations of ‘misconduct’ are rarely substantiated and are confused with occasional ‘error’ which does not involve professional misconduct or caused by client disappointment. It goes without saying that if a lawyer learns that he made a mistake, it is vital that he informs his client and acts promptly and forthrightly.
If personal integrity is lacking, a lawyer’s reputation will eventually be destroyed regardless of how competent he may be. Competence and integrity are keys to success.
Karel Frielink
Attorney (Lawyer) / Partner
