One of the most coveted professions, being a lawyer in modern times is an intricate and oftentimes a misunderstood circumstance. Some might think that the notion of principled lawyers is an oxymoron.

 

Being an incorruptible and virtuous lawyer must not only be in theory but most importantly, it must be in application. Lawyers, no matter how young or experienced they may be, must consistently practice with integrity, bearing in mind that their utmost purpose is to facilitate in the attainment of justice and not be an implement to hinder or impede expedient access to it.

 

The significance of a lawyer’s assistance and intervention cannot be understated. Citizens, private or public, educated or illiterate, affluent or poor, need the legal expertise of a lawyer. Even the most brilliant ones in their occupations, successful businessmen, big corporations, and even lawyers themselves, when faced by legal controversies, need the aid of a competent and skilled lawyer to advise them regarding their rights and the legal remedies they can resort to.

 

However, up to now, some people who have causes of actions or whose rights have been violated or who have been wronged, opt to just sleep on their rights because of lack of confidence with the country’s judicial system, apprehension of indignity, embarrassment or even exasperation from their adversaries.

 

Thus, it is high time to remind the public that just like in any other profession, there are still honorable and incorruptible lawyers out there willing to help those who are wronged, eager to zealously defend those who are prosecuted, prepared to impart legal knowledge to those who need it, and willing to see to it that justice is served.

 

Modern times must not be an era of suppression, fear or oblivion of one’s rights, but must be a time of opportune assertion of it, a time in which one who has been wronged has the audacity to be brave and assertive, one who needs defense must be sanguine, one who lacks knowledge must be advised with trustworthiness and truthfulness.

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Atty. JA J. Reyes