ABSTRACT
Competence seems to set up a minimal standard, but in fact it goes far beyond the minimum. Diligence requires close attention to detail and consistent application of one's best efforts to the situation at hand, and as a law student that student is familiar with how important it is. Professor Neil Hamilton’s survey of major law firms and the professionalism literature reveals that, in addition to legal knowledge, lawyers are expected to possess both relational capacities and good character. Lawyers must learn to recognize and manage their own emotions, to discern the emotions and motivations of others, and to use information about emotions to guide decisions and advice. The future of law practice is one of increasing diversity of clients and problems, as well as greater diversity of other lawyers, juries, and judges. Lawyers must be habitually realistic about how much time and effort matters will take and how much time and energy are available.
