by Ryan McKeen
How low can she go?
While waiting for an appointment this morning I read this Courant article by Edmund Mahony on the GOP’s race for Attorney General.
I stopped scrolling down on my iPod when I came to this line: “Some people are hired guns,” Dean said in an interview. “Just like prostitutes, you know?”
Really Martha? Your failure to see the difference between a prostitute and an attorney representing a client is appalling.
Dean clearly intended to attack Garber. However, I view her comments as an attack on the legal profession. The idea that lawyers are prostitutes is both untrue and insulting.
I’ve written about similar comments made by Dean a few weeks ago at a Fairfield lunch. In the age of Google Alerts and political campaigns that are hypersensitive and reactive to all that is written about them online, I find it hard to believe Dean didn’t read the post. Ms. Dean should should re-read the post, especially the following:
The rules of professional ethics make it clear that “a lawyer’s representation of a client….does not constitute an endorsement of the client’s political, economic, social or moral views or activities” Rule 1.2(b).
One of the best day’s of my life was getting sworn in as an attorney. I’ll never forget Justice Zarella’s speech that day. I read it each year on the anniversary of being admitted to the bar. The speech can be read in it’s entirety here. Justice Zarella choose to quote from a document entitled “Lawyers’ Principles of Professionalism” here is some of what he told to us:
I will remember that, in addition to commitment to my client’s cause, my responsibilities as a lawyer include a devotion to the public good;
I will be mindful of the need to protect the image of the legal profession in the eyes of the public and will be so guided when considering methods and content of advertising; and
As a lawyer I must strive to make our system of justice work fairly and efficiently. In order to carry out that responsibility, not only will I comply with the letter and spirit of the disciplinary standards applicable to all lawyers, but I will also conduct myself in accordance with the following principles of professionalism when dealing with my client, opposing parties, their counsel, the courts and the general public.
This is a political race. Political races are about winning. But winning at what cost? Is harming the profession for a chance at the corner office on 55 Elm Street worth it? I’d hope not.
Perpetuating the notion that lawyers are prostitutes for political gain demeans the legal profession. It’s appalling coming from the mouth of an attorney who is seeking to become the State’s top attorney.