Posted on 02/20/2004 1:34:42 PM PST by pillaanthony
When a client injures the innocent, what's a law firm to do? Tell the client to stop causing damage, or roll up your sleeves and fight? Apparently Jones Day chose the latter. And it seems they've led quite a fight.
First, let's hammer every claimant. Tell them they'r liars, sinful and outrageous. Wear them down.
But we need to hide the facts. So let's create an argument that our Bishop has special rights. Citizens can be compelled to turn over their records, but not our Bishop. Why? Because our First Amendment protects freedom of religious speech, and our Bishop represents our Faith.
Most laywers would be laughed out of court with this, but not if it's created by Jones Day. Jones Day is, of course, a pillar of the community. And it contributes to the campaigns of many, many judges.
The result is no laughing matter. Our judiciary saw on which side their bread was buttered, and victims were stonewalled. Hooray for our lawyers!
What our lawyers could not hold back, though, was the light of day. When the public saw the reality of Father Geoghan in Boston and a 60 minutes spotlight on Cleveland, our courts reversed the error of their ways. Don't look for Jones Day to appeal this crock to the Supreme Court--there are too many looking now.
Of course organizations make mistakes, and they are entitled to defend themselves. But what is a law firm to do, when the client engages in a pattern of harmful behavior?
There are in fact good lawyers. They tell clients to STOP bad behavior. They tell clients to STOP behavior that can destroy the client, even if the behavior is legal. They tell clients to TELL THE TRUTH when doing so would be good for the client.
What would have happened if big lawyers had said, STOP, or, TELL THE TRUTH? On the human side: Fewer victims and suffering; Our Church moves ahead with its mission. On the financial side: Lower costs to our Church; Fewer lawyers collecting fat paychecks. Well this is a tough question? Maybe not...
Jones Day, congratulations on moving up to number two in the nation. But remember, in our hearts, your number one.
NYer has done a tremendous job keeping us updated on the goings on in Albany.
I understand your anger that Pilla has been able to hide behind high powered attorneys, but it seems to me your anger is mostly misplaced. I gather Jones Day is a high priced law firm that defends clients to the best of their abilities, even when the clients are scum. But no matter how high an attorney's morals, he can only advise. The client is the one who must step forward and do the right thing. But maybe I'm missing something - newspaper articles would really be helpful.
I'll be sure to check for them next week.
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