On August 27, 1908, the American Bar Association adopted its first Canons of Professional Ethics. Next year will mark its 100th anniversary. The Cannons are very instructiuve and should be read by every attorney licensed to practice. More importantly, The Cannons should be read by those who think they want to go to law school and become a lawyer.
It is no surprise that all of these recently graduated 20-somethings who think they want to become lawyers and do, but have no idea what will really be required of them, go on to commit blatant acts of malpractice and display the worst of the profession.
Due to the fact that an individuals LSAT score, the most important factor in getting admitted to law school and thus entry in the profession, is not an indication of true qualifications to practice law according to the Canons, the profession is overrun with individuals who have no business practicing law.
So, if you think you want to be a lawyer, read the Canons and honestly ask yourself if you have it within you to embody them.