The talented Mr. Girardi
Applying the Neo-Weberian conception of professional monopolies to American legal professional discipline
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35295/sz.iisl/2005Keywords:
Attorney discipline, legal professionals, neo-Weberian, professional monopoly, professional regulation, Thomas GirardiAbstract
This essay analyzes the case of Thomas Girardi to illustrate the shortcomings of the contemporary attorney discipline system, particularly its prioritization of lawyer reputational privacy over public protection. Employing a neo-Weberian framework, which aligns with the structure of the American legal profession, reveals how the legal field has established a monopoly over attorney discipline, controlled by its own members. This self-regulation contributes to a predominantly private discipline process that undermines the system’s objective of fostering public trust and safeguarding the public interest. By closely examining Girardi’s case and procedures within the discipline process, the essay advocates for increased publicity in attorney discipline to better align the system with its foundational goals of accountability and public protection.
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