Legal practice is both a profession and, increasingly, a business. Lawyers are routinely confronted with a complex set of ethical questions due to the adversarial nature of legal practice and justice, and at the same time handle relationships with different stakeholders within their own practice, including clients, partners, and managers. This presents a unique set of challenges that are not experienced in other professions. This book provides a framework to guide the practicing lawyer through these various levels of ethical complexity.
Written in a highly accessible style, The Lawyer’s Guide to Business Ethics transforms business ethics theory for the practice of law, identifying the unique applications and ways in which lawyers can utilize the theory and principles to enhance their decision making and case management techniques. The book examines the social, ethical, personal, and economic forces influencing lawyers' work, explains the rules of professional conduct, and presents real-life ethical dilemmas to enhance learning and to assist in finding appropriate outcomes.
This book will be an invaluable resource for legal practitioners, law students and business students, and anyone interested in maintaining ethical behavior in the practice of law.
Introduction Part I: The Rise of the Contemporary Legal Landscape 1. The Rise of the Adversarial System 2. The American Rule and Entrepreneurial Litigation 3. The Law School and Lawyer Boom Part II: The Attorney as Advocate 4. Voicing Values in an Adversarial Environment 5. Building Trust in Attorney Relationships 6. The Unethical Employer and Firm Environment Part III: Values in the Practice of Law 7. Interpreting the Rules of Professional Conduct 8. A Stakeholder Approach to Legal Practice 9. The Business of Law and Common Rationalizations
Biography
Keith William Diener is a tenured Associate Professor at Stockton University where he teaches courses in law and ethics. He holds two doctoral degrees, in law and business ethics, and two masters’ degrees, in international law and philosophy, from Georgetown University, Georgia State University, and George Washington University. He previously held visiting positions at the George Washington University and the Universidad de La Salle, and an Adjunct Professorship at the University of Maryland, Global Campus. Dr. Diener has published extensively on legal and ethical issues and received numerous research awards from national and international law and ethics organizations. He is a licensed practicing attorney in New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
"This book provides an excellent application of business ethics theory to the practice of law. Its great value lies in its practical and accessible explanation of how attorneys can pursue ethically meaningful lives within their roles as advocates."
Dr. John Hasnas, Professor of Business, Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business
"A well-designed and comprehensive adaptation of business ethics theory to legal practice. This book should be a valuable resource for anyone interested in promoting business ethics in the legal field."
Dr. Andrew Wicks, Ruffin Professor of Business Administration, University of Virginia, Darden School of Business
