The Ethics of Representing Elected Representatives

16 Pages Posted: 9 May 2012

See all articles by Kathleen Clark

Kathleen Clark

Washington University in St. Louis - School of Law

Date Written: May 8, 2012

Abstract

This essay is an attempt to sketch out in a preliminary way the work of several different types of legislative lawyers. It suggests that the role of lawyers who work for individual legislators may actually be quite similar to that of certain lawyers in the Executive Branch. The essay also examines the moral choices faced by legislative lawyers, and the degree to which their professional roles may insulate them from moral responsibility for the consequences wrought by the legislation on which they work. It is based primarily on my own experiences and observations as a lawyer on Capitol Hill as well as my conversations with other congressional lawyers.

Keywords: legislative lawyers, congressional lawyers, ethics, professional responsibility

Suggested Citation

Clark, Kathleen, The Ethics of Representing Elected Representatives (May 8, 2012). Law and Contemporary Problems, Vol. 61, No. 31, 1988, Washington University in St. Louis Legal Studies Research Paper No. 12-04-04, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2054705

Kathleen Clark (Contact Author)

Washington University in St. Louis - School of Law ( email )

Campus Box 1120
St. Louis, MO 63130
United States
314-935-4081 (Phone)
314-935-6493 (Fax)

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