There you have it, the percentage of American lawyers who are litigants can be set at 25%. While I admit that my confidence in this figure is limited,. Becoming a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association represents the pinnacle of achievement in the courtroom. A movement has begun in legal education to incorporate programs that emphasize the professional identity of lawyers in society and develop leadership skills in order to better prepare graduates for service and Leadership.
Pro bono work and other volunteer work allows lawyers to perform tasks that are not available through their firms. For example, lawyers deal with matters free of charge to gain experience and obtain specialization certifications. Since fewer lawyers hold prominent positions in public leadership positions, law schools are even less likely to attract the best and brightest students seeking to make a difference. Lawyers, the profession, and society at large all benefit when lawyers are dedicated to community service and leadership.
NEED FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT The role of lawyers has traditionally been threefold: technical expert, wise advisor and effective leader. Lawyers represent less than half of 1 percent of the population, but their influence is significant and their impact on decisions made every day is significant. Utilizing the skills and influence of a small but powerful group of lawyers can have a tremendous impact on society.
