It's unfair but practical

Article Abstract:

Changing the so-called open files policy of many prosecutors' offices while respecting the prosecutors' legitimate concerns would be either impractical or demeaning and demoralizing for all parties. Currently, many jurisdictions allow most defense lawyers access to the prosecution's files of evidence and information, but prosecutors can at their option deny this to the defense. Many defense lawyers want this access as a matter of right, but prosectors do not trust some defense lawyers to use the information ethically.

United States, Access control, Records and correspondence, Public prosecutors, Court records, states

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A lawyer's life is no bed of roses, but for many it beats the alternatives

Article Abstract:

Many attorneys seem to derive satisfaction from their work despite surveys indicating that the opposite is true. They enjoy good incomes, professional status and interesting work compared to other options they might have. Perhaps the dissatisfied attorneys are those who enjoyed privileged upbringings and had unrealistic expectations regarding their work life. For the satisfied ones, the practice of law may represent a higher rung on the socioeconomic ladder.

Social aspects, Analysis, Lawyers, Surveys, Job satisfaction, Practice of law

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Ethics: in many firms the practice of billable hours has become insidious

Article Abstract:

The practice of billable hours in law firms leads to an emphasis on spending time instead of providing service and tends to encourage corruption and cynicism. The method began in the 1950s as a way to provide greater accountability and efficiency for firms that were becoming larger and more bureaucratic. Recent salary inflation has led firms to require 2,000-2,400 billable hours per year. The overemphasis on time does not encourage serious work.

Economic aspects, Finance, Lawyers' fees, Law firms, Legal ethics

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