Legal Professional Ethics

CLS 401

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Question 2

Presented by:

Sarah.M. Mutua 1016017

Jeanette W. Ambicha 1015998

Hashim I. Mude 1015765

Esther W. Macharia 1015518

Mercy Ngima 1015355

Adlyn Kapchebai 1018583

Guya Kang’ereha Carolyn 1015724

Mulwa Mutindi 1015616

Valerie Krhoda 1015690

Miriam Mwangi 1015981

Question 2:

“All professions, especially one as central...as the legal profession, should undergo a continuing process of examination and self-evaluation. Any group that does not engage in such an exercise loses much that makes it a profession: a shared set of principles and customs that transcend self-interest and speak to the essential nature of the particular calling or trade”

-Arlin Adams-

Is law a profession?

According to Ethics for professionals there is no accepted definition of the term profession although there are some features which are central or necessary in order for an occupation to be considered a profession.

Firstly, a rather extensive training is required in order to practice a profession. Lawyers for instance now generally attend law school for a certain period. In Kenya, for example they attend a four year course and a further stint is required at the Kenya school of law in order to be admitted to the bar.

The training involves a significant intellectual component. This intellectual component is characteristic of those professionals who primarily advise others about matters, the average person would not readily know about or understand. Lawyers in this instance provide persons and companies legal advice concerning what they can and cannot do under the law.

This trained ability provides an important service to society. Physicians, lawyers, teachers, accountants, engineers and architects provide services vital to the organized functionality of society.

Another common feature is credentials. The process of licensing or certification often exists. Lawyers for this purpose are admitted to the bar. However licensing is not sufficient to make an occupation a profession so