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Able Quote by Robert Smith Surtees

“There are three sorts of lawyers - able, unable and lamentable.” quote by Robert Smith Surtees
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“There are three sorts of lawyers - able, unable and lamentable.”

Robert Smith Surtees

About This Quote

Source Novel: Handley Cross, 1867

Lawyers fall into three categories: competent, incompetent, and pitifully bad.

In simple terms: Lawyers are either good, bad, or terrible.

Key Takeaway

Recognize competence, avoid the lamentable.

Themes

law competence humor

Mood

witty critical

Type

satirical observational

When to use this quote

  • hiring legal counsel
  • evaluating advice
  • legal education

Key Concepts

satire professionalism categorization

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which type of lawyer have you encountered?
  • How do you assess a lawyer's competence?
A Different Perspective

Labels oversimplify complex abilities.

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