When it rains, it pours. I don’t remember ever learning about, discussing, or understanding the Public Trust. However, this week it has been referenced three times.
The Public Trust is the notion that the public has a certain confidence in the powers and decisions that reside with government officials…a trust that “they” will do what is best for the public. Often, we hear someone “violating” the Public Trust.
As a lawyer, I feel connected to this concept of public trust. The oath that officially made me an attorney affirms that I will support the Constitution of the U.S. and the Constitution of the State of CA, and that I will faithfully discharge my duties of an attorney to the best of my knowledge and ability. Think of the millions of lawyer jokes that would be humorless if my profession stood by its oath.
Interestingly, only one client has asked me if I really was a lawyer. Good for him. He had the right to know if I was licensed and if he could trust my advice. I showed him my diplomas, bar card, and the website where he could verify my credentials.
In all that I do, I strive to uphold the law and the confidence of my clients. This gets worked out in how I answer the phone, send a bill, return an email, and give candid counsel. I value the Public Trust and I hope that you will value my efforts to promote it in my practice.