The Terrible Bind of the Lawyer in the Modern World: The Problem of Hope, the Question of Identity, and the Recovery of Meaning in the Practice of the Law

38 Pages Posted: 3 Apr 2013

See all articles by Howard J. Vogel

Howard J. Vogel

Hamline University - School of Law

Date Written: January 1, 2001

Abstract

This article argues that there are four interlocking dilemmas that lawyers encounter in the study and practice of law. The author describes the dilemmas and the difficulties they pose for those lawyers who seek to practice law with a sense of purpose and meaning that can be the source of deep satisfaction. Part I includes a description of what it means to pose the problem of lawyer dissatisfaction as a problem of meaning. Part II is devoted to a description of the four interlocking dilemmas that together pose the problem of meaning for the lawyers in the midst of the lawyer’s activity as a lawyer. Finally, in Part III, the author suggests two steps to break out of the “terrible bind” lawyers face in confronting these dilemmas.

Keywords: Bind, principle of internal relations, jurisprudence of solidarity, cultural dissensus, client loyalty, dilemma

JEL Classification: K00, K4, K40, K41, K42, K49

Suggested Citation

Vogel, Howard J., The Terrible Bind of the Lawyer in the Modern World: The Problem of Hope, the Question of Identity, and the Recovery of Meaning in the Practice of the Law (January 1, 2001). Seton Hall Law Review, Vol. 32, p. 152, 2001, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1929579

Howard J. Vogel (Contact Author)

Hamline University - School of Law ( email )

1536 Hewitt Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104-1237
United States

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