The MacLean's story, Lawyers are Rats: Interview with Philip Slayton, is still causing a buzz.
A Canadian Lawyer editorial (linked in the September 4th BAR-eX Weekly), dismisses the profession's reaction to the controversial article as "over the top," and defends its columnist:
Slayton has said many things that lawyers themselves say. He’s been attacked by critics but at the same time lauded by many practitioners who agree with him. Instead of hurling insults, the profession should take note and engage in debate about the issues Slayton has brought to light. He is not some fly-by-night operator, but a former law school dean and Bay Street lawyer who has keenly observed the profession for decades. Everyone may not agree with him and, of course, the increase in sales of his book resulting from this brouhaha is benefiting him, but his opinions shouldn’t be dismissed. Canadian Lawyer will still run his columns and give him the freedom to express his opinions in our pages.
Frankly, the legal profession has already engaged in the very debate Canadian Lawyer calls for, but seems to have missed. At this point, Slayton is old news.
For the record, our August 3rd comment on Slayton is here. We stand by it.
Now, let's move on.
- Garry J. Wise, Toronto
Visit our Website: http://www.wiselaw.net/
1 comment:
I'm a retired Toronto lawyer and I've read Philip Slayton's book, which certainly brought back a lot of memories. Well do I recall the Laing Michener affair and unfortunately a number of the other cases. One good thing, however: it inspired me to write a novel which is the first book in The Osgoode Trilogy, [www.theosgoodetrilogy.com]entitled Conduct in Question about an honest lawyer caught up in a money-laundering fraud.
I thought Slayton's book was well researched and expressed a balanced viewpoint. I do understand the angry reactions of the Bar Associations and the Law Societies,but a profession which claims to be self governing must be far more effective in preventing lawyers from abusing their position.
Mary E. Martin
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