Skip to content

About half the practice of a decent lawyer is telling…

“About half the practice of a decent lawyer is telling would-be clients that they are damned fools and should shut up.” quote by Elihu Root
Download Open image
“About half the practice of a decent lawyer is telling would-be clients that they are damned fools and should shut up.”

Elihu Root

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Lawyers often must bluntly advise clients of their own folly to protect them.

In simple terms: Lawyers tell clients they’re wrong.

Key Takeaway

Be honest, protect clients.

Themes

law ethics communication

Mood

serious professional

Type

advice ethical

When to use this quote

  • courtroom
  • client meetings
  • negotiations
  • legal counseling

Key Concepts

client advocacy professional responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to balance honesty with empathy?
  • When is bluntness appropriate?
A Different Perspective

Clients may feel alienated, reducing trust.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Elihu Root

Explore all 39 Elihu Root quotes

More Clients quotes

Browse all 737 Clients quotes