Lawyers are trained to recognize constitutional problems, and to weigh the risk of litigation on constitutional or other issues, even in apparently routine transactions. Lawyers are best able to discern and protect clients' needs for the privileged and confidential treatment of information. Lawyers are trained to represent clients zealously. Lawyers are expected to provide pro bono services and to accept unpopular or unattractive clients. Law firms are, in general, independent institutions, which can provide zealous representation for the client and in the public interest.
Lawyers help to defuse social tensions and to confront arbitrary government.
Lawyers take an oath as officers of the court, are regulated primarily by the courts, and are held to rigorous standards of professional and personal conduct. Any relaxation of Rule 5.4 would, according to some members, allow nonlawyers, sooner or later, to influence the culture of law firms and the direction taken by the legal profession, the judiciary, the law schools, and the legal system. This influence, even if well intentioned, would impair the ability of lawyers to function effectively. The ultimate losers would be the lawyers' clients, and society in general. Other risks could also attend any relaxation of Rule 5.4.