We need to look at our own profession, and work to ensure that our own colleagues are not contributing to the lack of respect and understanding of the legal system by misleading or misinforming the public through inappropriate - or even sleazy - advertising.

The legal profession volunteers millions of dollars in free legal services to the poor, but lawyers alone cannot meet what should be recognized as a responsibility of government. Without restoration of this critical funding, countless poor and low-income New Yorkers will be unable to protect important legal rights.

Vincent Buzard

With the privilege, we and our clients are secure in the knowledge that we cannot be subpoenaed or otherwise forced to divulge what they tell us. Only with the protection of attorney-client privilege can our clients tell us the whole story and only then can we provide effective counsel or advocacy. Any undermining of that privilege is a cause of great concern to the profession.

Vincent Buzard