I can best describe it as an ancient or even primordial sense of duty. It is a deep sense that places others above self. There is no doubt that great things happen through selfless service. The word for this is professionalism, and great things happen when lawyers selflessly serve their profession. As I look around the activities of the State Bar of California, I see so much good happening through the selfless service of attorneys without expectation of profits, power or prestige.
Many today say that professionalism is declining among attorneys.
They say that we lawyers are turning away from professionalism in favor of profits. And I am sad to say that to some extent this is true. Joe Ball, what a great trial lawyer. I'll never forget the closing argument I heard him make. And he is a great guy too, always willing to give back.