The answer to this is that any man can work himself into an
enthusiastic belief in almost anything if he goes upon the theory that
the thing is true, and gives all his energy and ability to proving
its truthfulness to others and to himself. This is peculiarly the case
with the most sincere and genuine men. I repeat, therefore, that upon
a point so vital, and about which there are such sharp differences of
opinion by equally good and wise men, it is better for you to incline
to the stricter view of legal ethics.
So if you believe your client to be in the wrong, frankly tell him so;
show him why; induce him to compromise and to settle, if he ought. If
he will not because he is obstinate, he will probably lose his case
anyhow, and of course blame his lawyer for the loss. So that if you do
not have that case you have lost nothing. On the other hand, you have
gained. The client will say: "If I had followed his advice I should
not have had the expense and humiliation of defeat."
In ninety-nine cases out of a hundred the honest client will respect
you for your position. If the client persists in his course because he
is a scoundrel, then, doubly, you cannot afford to take his unjust
case.
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