Guy Pratte : Serving the greater good

Guy Pratte, a partner with Borden Ladner Gervais, spoke at the ABA YLD lunch here in Montreal this afternoon.

Guy, a trial lawyer (litigator as they say in Montreal) used Abraham Lincoln’s speeches and writings as the back drop for his talk. As much as I was turned off by Lincoln’s representing the railroads, Guy reminded me why you could do a lot worse than Lincoln when learning the principals of the practice of law, and life.

Hard work, diligence, fair fees, honesty, and representation of average people are the goals lawyers should strive for. Business people as well.

Guy reminded me why I was called to be a lawyer. “Legal institutions exist to serve the greater good.” Doesn’t get better than that – ‘serving the greater good.’

Serving the greater good drove me to became a lawyer, while in practice as a plaintiff’s trial lawyer, and now empowering good lawyers with the discourse tools of LexBlog. Thanks for getting the juices going again Guy.

Plus Guy, I never knew they slept two to bed while in trial in Lincoln’s days – lawyers on both sides, as well as the Judge.