Lawyers as Caregivers

12 St. Mary’s J. on Legal Malpractice & Ethics 330 (2022)

University of Tennessee Legal Studies Research Paper No. 437

43 Pages Posted: 15 Jul 2022 Last revised: 5 Oct 2022

See all articles by Paula Schaefer

Paula Schaefer

University of Tennessee College of Law

Date Written: June 30, 2022

Abstract

This Article argues that clients—much like patients in a healthcare setting—need their lawyers to be caregivers. The Article opens by developing a definition of caregiving in medicine and law. It then turns to five key components of caregiving in medicine, explaining the substantial research that this care is crucial for patient satisfaction, trust, and healing. Medical educators have drawn on this research to better prepare medical professionals to be excellent caregivers. The Article then explores the evidence that an attorney’s clients have the same needs and suffer similar harm when attorneys fail to meet these needs. Next, the Article turns to the question of how law schools can better prepare students for the caregiving aspect of client representation. Finally, the Article concludes with thoughts on why an embrace of caregiving can separate good lawyers from great lawyers.

Keywords: caregiving, attorney ethics, bias, healthcare, professional Responsibility, confidentiality

JEL Classification: K10, K40

Suggested Citation

Schaefer, Paula, Lawyers as Caregivers (June 30, 2022). 12 St. Mary’s J. on Legal Malpractice & Ethics 330 (2022), University of Tennessee Legal Studies Research Paper No. 437, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4151014

Paula Schaefer (Contact Author)

University of Tennessee College of Law ( email )

1505 West Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996
United States
865-974-6793 (Phone)

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