The Image of a Lawyer: Some Remarks from the Perspective of the “Tripartite Crisis” as Seen by Susan Daicoff

Abstract

Conducting multi-aspect theoretical and empirical research on the proper understanding, determinants, and shaping of the image of contemporary lawyers, as well as their actual professional, moral, and psychological condition, has significant cognitive and practical justification. This article addresses the issue of the image of a lawyer, understood mainly as a way in which lawyers are perceived, presented, and evaluated not only by members of society or the media, but also by themselves. The considerations are inspired by (and take as their starting point) what Susan Daicoff identified as a “tripartite crisis”, which can significantly impact the modern image of lawyers. The main objective of this paper is to formulate several basic comments (preliminary principles) for research on the image and professional, moral, and psychological condition of lawyers, as well as to highlight selected categories particularly important for their development, particularly those related to the relationship between professionalism and ethics. The article is primarily theoretical and legal in nature. The author addresses both scientific and conceptual ideas. Given the universality and utility of the issues discussed, the considerations may be of interest not only to national, but also to EU and international researchers in the science and practice of law, as well as to other social sciences, broadly interested in researching and improving the condition and image of lawyers, enhancing their self-awareness, professionalism, ethical conduct, and personal and professional satisfaction.