Recently, WSBA Executive Director Jan Michels asked Peterson what he hoped people would remember about him after his term as president. That s the theme for the coming year proud to be a lawyer. It might seem that Jan Eric Peterson is narrowly focused, and he is on law as a profession. He believes the legal community must return to its roots, being more of a profession and less of a business in order to change public perception and restore pride among lawyers. Peterson also believes access to the justice system is critical.
Many people can t afford and can t get access to the system.
It s difficult to have respect for a system you can t participate in. Access to justice is a bedrock to a democratic society. The profession must make a commitment to make the justice system relevant and accessible to people not just those who can pay. If we do that, participation will breed respect for law and lawyers. Peterson believes many people don t understand the role of the judicial branch of government.