And that is what ought reinforce the appropriateness of a scheme like this being recommended . . . that we as a profession are prepared to take an unpopular position if we believe it to be the correct one and particularly where we believe that it is overwhelmingly in the public interest. And not for one moment should it be thought that such a scheme would be mandatory. Any profession could choose whether in its own state it wished to apply for the benefits of, and the obligations which go with, the capped liability program. Time to reflect One of the least understood occasions on the legal calendar is the opening of the legal year. Many lawyers really do miss a golden opportunity to revitalise their belief in their own profession - a belief which for many is starting to fray at the edges.
Lawyers have to do the right thing by the courts and by their clients.
But this is not done by making a clinical assessment in a vacuum. It depends on one's values. To believe in the importance of the role one plays is critical to one's self-esteem and frankly I think it results in a better job being done.