Vineberg leads discussion of legal profession

Is the practice of law a profession, a business or an industry?

 

Why are there so many lawyer jokes?

 

Montreal attorney Michael Vineberg posed these and other question when he visited Selwyn House on September 19 to speak to a group of his legal colleagues about their shared profession.

 

This was the inaugural session of what is planned as a series of lectures on various professions by members of the Selwyn House Old Boys’ community.

 

The father of Selwyn House Old Boy Philip 2008, Michael has spent nearly 50 years at the top of his occupation. His Selwyn House audience included seasoned veterans and newcomers, many of whom joined in the discussion of issues related to what Vineberg called their “noble profession.”

 

The son of two lawyers, Michael said a good attorney must possess two qualities: a passion for the interests of his or her clients and an appreciation for rule of law and the role law plays in our society.

 

Lawyers, he said, are “the foundation system of a democracy.”

 

The group discussed issues relating to the size of a law firms, the benefits of technology and the importance of relationships, both inside and outside the firm.

 

Regardless of the ups and downs, Michael concluded, “I really have enjoyed every day at the office.”