Endangered Species

In a world of competition, self-promotion and material importance, lawyers with honor, integrity and competence are becoming extinct. It is like an endangered species that is thinning out. The present condition where popularity has become the yardstick for success does not help either. Cases for disbarment are now a common occurrence. Even the Supreme Court is not spared. The recent charge of plagiarism to a Supreme Court Justice in a decision he penned is a clear indication of the sad state we are in. It does not matter whether he is liable or not, because what is required from the profession is more than that. The conduct expected should be beyond reproach and beyond a hint of suspicion. The more experienced in the profession should impose upon themselves stricter ethical standards for the new ones to emulate. Sadly, that has not been the case. All that seem to matter now is personal gain and pleasure. There are hardly a few visages of the noble left in the profession. It is no wonder then that instead of being insulted, we laugh along with jokes attacking the character of lawyers.
In the echelon of professions, law is one of those found at the top. Its authority extends not only during the life of a person but also before his birth and even after his death. It covers personal relations, liberty, property and so much more. It is clothed with such great responsibility that basically limits the practice of law to the select few. The public is aware of this thus, respect, confidence and admiration are naturally afforded to the members of the bar. However it has often been abused. That is why ironically at times, lawyers became the receiving end of spoiled tomatoes.
The reason why the luster of the profession is slowly fading can be attributed to a lot of factors. It may be because of the nature of the work that a member of the bar is more vulnerable to compromise its ethical standards. As pointed out in The Code of Professional Responsibility, a lawyer should never engage in an unlawful, dishonest, immoral or deceitful conduct. He must be faithful to the cause of his client but he should also keep in mind that he is primarily an officer of the court. Another may be because with the passage of time, the love for the law and the passion for the truth and justice have been forgotten. The fervor at the start of practice can hardly be felt anymore. Mediocrity silently creeps in and attacks in the most unguarded moments. It is easier to choose comfort and easy living than to sacrifice for honor and integrity. Even organizations, alliances, and other social activities, though appear to be harmless but if in fact hinders the dispensation of justice also demean the reputation of the profession. Apparently, everyone is responsible. It is through the collective effort of lawyers, prosecutors, judges, and justices that the bar is in its sad state.
But just like any endangered species there is still hope. With willingness to make the necessary adjustments and cooperation of everyone, change can take place. It is still not too late to bring back the glory to the profession. It can be something again that all may truly be proud of even to the world. But it has to start with one. Let us be that one.