Professional Identity and Professionalism

Abstract

This article discusses the difference between the professional identity formation movement in legal education and the older professionalism movement. Discusses approaches at different schools to derive values, methods to cultivate such values, and potential to help new lawyers have a strong internal sense of their ethical code, how to make decisions in the gray area (not governed by Model Rules), and satisfaction that could result from practicing in a manner that is consistent with one's internal values. Also discusses potential for movement to have an impact on the longstanding issues in the profession related to lawyer well-being.

Keywords: professional Identity, professionalism, ethics, decision-making, values, virtues, integrity, lawyer well-being, legal education

JEL Classification: I00, I12, I20, I21, I29, K00, K10, K19, K20, K30, K39, K40, K41