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Full-Text Articles in Law
Ethics And The “Root Of All Evil” In Nineteenth Century American Law Practice, Michael Hoeflich
Ethics And The “Root Of All Evil” In Nineteenth Century American Law Practice, Michael Hoeflich
St. Mary's Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics
This Article discusses the bifurcated notions on the purpose of working as an attorney—whether the purpose is to attain wealth or whether the work in and of itself is the purpose. This Article explores the sentiments held by distinguished and influential nineteenth-century lawyers—particularly David Hoffman and George Sharswood—regarding the legal ethics surrounding attorney’s fees and how money in general is the root of many ethical dilemmas within the arena of legal practice. Through the texts of Hoffman and Sharswood, we find the origins of the ethical rules all American attorneys are subject to in their various jurisdictions.
The Ambulance Chasing Epidemic In Texas, Ronald Rodriguez
The Ambulance Chasing Epidemic In Texas, Ronald Rodriguez
St. Mary's Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics
Barratry and solicitation of professional employment is illegal and unethical. The Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct define barratry as ethical misconduct and a serious crime. Unfortunately, for citizens and law-abiding attorneys of Texas, the criminal and ethical prohibitions against barratry have rarely been enforced. Consequently, barratry continues to proliferate rapidly throughout South Texas. For lawyers who engage in this unethical practice, the potential for large financial gain proves irresistible given the virtually nonexistent risk of prosecution. The lack of robust and successful prosecutions has created an optimal environment for barratry to proliferate. This Article discusses the current barratry epidemic …