Lawyers and attorneys are required to adhere to common ethical guidelines that come with their profession. More importantly, they must stick to the truth, especially when testifying under oath (Davis, 2013). John Gallene, in the case study, represents how legal professionals can sometimes enter into difficult ethical situations due to their own creation. Together with Milbank Tweed, the two were required to work together in a bankruptcy case involving BE. However, Tweed was in a breach of conflict of interest because he represented two other companies that had a stake in the case. Therefore, Gallene needed to disclose the conflict of interest.
Gallene begins his statement by acknowledging his strengths as a legal practitioner. He is confident of his abilities, and the general public has also gained trust in his intellectual strength as a lawyer. The fact that he was called to act on behalf of BE in that particular case demonstrates his portfolio as an attorney. However, Gallene goes on to indicate that he is prone to mistakes and instances of inadvertence despite his knowledge and experience. His long career should have guided him in making the right decisions in court. Gallene should have known that his counterpart was in breach of a very fundamental ethical provision in legal practice.
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Therefore, Gallene makes it clear that his error was a rookie mistake that should never have happened to any legal practitioner. However, he regrets his actions and hopes that people can understand that it was an understandable mishap. However, the mistakes' ineptitude makes it difficult for him to stand in front of people and acknowledge his shortcomings. As illustrated in the case study, the two were later prosecuted and sentenced to prison. Gallene was particularly sentenced to a 15 months’ imprisonment. The statement is, therefore, proof that even experienced professionals can make silly mistakes in their career.
Reference
Davis, M. (2013). Conflict of interest. International Encyclopedia of Ethics, 1-4.
