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Introduction
Lawyers play a pivotal role in shaping society, advocating for clients, and navigating complex legal environments. Larry Bodine's quotes serve as a benchmark for evaluating what makes a lawyer truly exceptional. In the film
A Civil Action
, Jan Schlichtmann’s character provides a compelling case for examining these qualities. His journey from a profit-driven lawyer to someone profoundly engaged with societal change offers insights into the qualities Bodine attributes to great lawyers.
Theoretical Framework: Bodine's Attributes of Great Lawyers
Bodine's quotes suggest that great lawyers are catalysts for societal change, confident yet humble, loyal, and driven by a higher purpose beyond mere legal practice. They display professionalism while personalizing client relationships, and they act on compassion to make a difference. These qualities contrast with merely competent lawyers who focus solely on legal skills or profit.
Jan Schlichtmann’s Actions in
A Civil Action
In the film, Jan Schlichtmann initially embodies the traits of a good lawyer: confident in court, focusing on client needs, and committed to winning the case. However, his actions progressively reveal the imperfections that separate good from great lawyers. His relentless pursuit of financial gain,
overconfidence, and neglect of ethical considerations highlight his weaknesses, yet also underscore the transformative potential of lawyership aligned with societal betterment.
Proving or Disproving the Quote: “Great lawyers are in the street changing society”
Schlichtmann’s character initially struggles with this ideal. He is more engrossed in the courtroom and his personal profit than societal change. However, as the case progresses, his increasing awareness of the broader implications, particularly the environmental pollution affecting communities, aligns him with the quote. His eventual willingness to expose corporate wrongdoing and advocate for affected families suggests a move toward societal impact, even if belatedly.
Confidence
without Arrogance
Initially, Schlichtmann projects confidence; however, his overconfidence blinds him to ethical dilemmas and leads to financial and emotional strain. This aligns with the quote on projecting confidence but not arrogance—yet, his arrogance also results in mistakes. Over time, his humility grows, exemplifying that great lawyers must balance confidence with humility, a trait seen in Bodine’s ideal of an adaptable, confident professional.
Ownership of the Client’s Problem and Loyalty
Schlichtmann’s deepening commitment to the plaintiff families exemplifies ownership of their plight and loyalty. His decision to continue fighting despite personal costs demonstrates the personal sacrifice associated with great lawyers who truly care and own their client’s issues, aligning with Bodine’s description of loyalty and personalized client care.
The
Ethical Dimension and Societal Engagement
While Schlichtmann’s journey is marred by ethical lapses early on—prioritizing settlement and profits—his evolution toward making a difference illustrates the importance of acting on compassion, as Bodine advocates. His eventual focus on exposing corporate responsibility exemplifies how lawyers can facilitate societal change, fulfilling the quote about lawyers in the street influencing society.
Conclusion
Jan Schlichtmann’s character in
A Civil Action
both supports and challenges Bodine’s characterization of great lawyers. His initial flaws highlight the importance of humility, ethics, and societal focus. Ultimately, his transformation reflects the potential for lawyers to grow into agents of societal change, embodying the qualities that separate good from great lawyers. His story affirms that genuine commitment, humility, client loyalty, and societal advocacy are hallmarks of the truly great lawyer envisioned by Bodine.
References
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