I have now joined the ranks of skilled and diligent attorneys who are admitted to present argument in front of the Supreme Court of the United States. At a ceremony prior to court argument on January 13th, as Chief Justice Roberts called my name, I swore that I would "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; ... bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and conduct myself uprightly and according to the law." I am honored that I had the opportunity to make that commitment, which I believe I have already kept faith with throughout my career.
Why, after 40 years of practice, have I now taken the trouble to join the Supreme Court bar?
Recent times and politics have outwardly challenged the rule of law. The wealthy and well connected often believe that they cannot be held accountable. One of the reason I chose to practice as a personal injury lawyer is to give wronged parties access to the same quality of representation that those more well to do can simply buy. Our Constitution and system of laws ensure that every person, no matter what their status or influence is, stands equal before Lady Justice. We have no kings and princes in America, and our justice system is designed to ensure that we never will have them.
This week's ceremony reminded me that I am proud of the role that lawyers play in preserving equal justice. Although we attorneys are duty bound to be "zealous advocates" on behalf of our client's positions, it's also our job to "play fair" and make sure that justice is administered equally and fairly to all. Lawyers, along with judges, make our legal system work, and prevent both bullying and anarchy. That's why Shakespeare had a character attempting to subvert law announce his plan: "the first thing we'll do, we'll kill all the lawyers."
I've just affirmed that won't happen on my watch, at least without me standing up and fighting against that, and to ensure that no matter what Court my client's case is in, I'll fight to get them their fair shake.
Contact Us
617-491-1099
30 Second St.
Cambridge, MA 02141
MALIS|LAW serves clients throughout Massachusetts, with a central office in Cambridge, MA and satellite meeting spaces in the Merrimack Valley and on Massachusetts’ South Coast. Our local presence in these areas gives clients ready access to our firm and our resources.
While we can schedule meetings in any of those areas, we recognize that we serve injured people who may not be able to leave their homes to meet initially. Dan will come to you wherever you are to speak with you and personally manage your case. While we always want to get to know our clients personally, disabled clients also appreciate our familiarity with on line streaming services like Zoom , and our internet-based case management system allows for immediate data entry and a prompt commencement of your case.
Our central office in Cambridge provides easy 2-minute access from Route 93 in Cambridge, and steps from the Green Line Lechmere MBTA stop.