I m most proud of my profession when lawyers from government and the private sector bridge their differences to work toward improving the administration of contract disputes and, ultimately, justice. To be sure, when lawyers act as advocates they must advance their clients interests vigorously and effectively. Even within the boundaries of the law and the relatively bloodless field of government contracts, encounters can get intense. Professionalism, however, demands that disputes in the courtroom never become personal.
Lawyers are officers of the court as well as advisers to their clients.
In both of these roles, we have a common interest in making sure that the legal process works well. Unfortunately, some attorneys forget that effective advocacy is compatible with professionalism. Some in my profession are shortsighted, are fixated on the last case they lost or hold a grudge. They never achieve the wisdom that comes from accumulated experience. Their myopia keeps them from seeing the law as a living, evolving system.