The use of technical concepts has a useful function Language is the instrument par excellence of the advocate (attorney; lawyer). He uses language to lay down agreements, to provide legal advices, to formulate Court documents, to send demand letters, to make his plea or to conduct talks with clients or counterparties, to send invoices, in… Continue reading THE LAWYER AS A VIRTUOSO OF LANGUAGE (PART I)
Month: March 2011
THE LAWYER AS ORATOR
A sensitive subject The advocate (attorney; lawyer) as orator is a sensitive subject. Many clients will have listened with curled toes or alternatively with a deep feeling of embarrassment to their own advocate or (if they are lucky) to that of their counterparty at the moment suprême when the so-carefully prepared written summary of the argument… Continue reading THE LAWYER AS ORATOR
ON THE IMAGE OF LAWYERS
Bloodsuckers and hypocrites? Lawyers (attorneys) are often exposed to strong criticism, both here and elsewhere. The late famous Dutch professor A. Pitlo (Evolutie in het privaatrecht, [Evolution in private law] Groningen: H.D. Tjeenk Willink 1972, p. 102) speaks with regard to certain advocates (lawyers) about the ‘half-intellect’ that by intellectualism must succeed in being kept… Continue reading ON THE IMAGE OF LAWYERS
THE LAWYER AS CRAFTSMAN
Tradition and resourcefulness You could hear these statements just about anywhere: “The study of law is a dull study. You have to read a lot of books and especially learn a lot by heart. But luckily it is not a difficult study. It is more or less the easiest study to graduate in.” Is all… Continue reading THE LAWYER AS CRAFTSMAN
WHY WOULD SOMEONE BECOME A LAWYER?
The story of Saint Yvo (1253-1303) Without being sworn in to the Bar it is not possible to call yourself an advocate (lawyer; advocaat) in the Dutch Caribbean. Being sworn in as an lawyer is for any beginner a high point, a clear start. The lawyer undertakes responsibility and does this under oath. Art. 3… Continue reading WHY WOULD SOMEONE BECOME A LAWYER?