If you were a lawyer, are there certain defendants you simply would not represent? Why/why not? What about the client they talk about in the podcast? Would you defend him? Why/why not?
The American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct provide guidance for lawyers in the United States. Rule 1.16(a) states that a lawyer “shall not decline or withdraw from representation of a client who has paid the lawyer’s fee and is not discharged by the client, except as permitted or required by this Rule.” There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as if the lawyer believes that the client has committed a fraud upon the court, or if the representation would be unduly burdensome.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to represent a client is a personal one that each lawyer must make based on their own ethical beliefs and professional judgment. Some lawyers may choose not to represent clients who they believe are guilty of serious crimes, or who they believe are likely to engage in illegal or unethical conduct. Others may be willing to represent any client who is willing to pay their fee.
In the specific case you mentioned, it would be impossible for me to say whether or not I would defend the client without more information about the case. However, I can say that I would carefully consider all of the relevant factors, such as the nature of the charges against the client, the client’s likelihood of success, and the potential consequences of representation. I would also want to make sure that I could represent the client zealously and ethically.
It is important to remember that everyone is entitled to legal representation, regardless of the charges against them. Lawyers play an important role in upholding the justice system, and they should not be afraid to represent unpopular clients. However, lawyers also have a responsibility to uphold the ethical standards of their profession, and they should not represent clients who they believe are likely to engage in illegal or unethical conduct.
