In this essay there will firstly be a definition of what is meant by the word 'profession", although there are changing ideals about this. This will then be used to look at what elements the modern law profession has from the definition. There will be a discussion about the lawyers duty as an officer of the court. The lawyers civic responsibilities will be explored. The requirement of rules and regulations will be considered. Then a definition of a business will be presented. It will be discussed how the legal profession is becoming more like a business. The regard modern lawyers have for the rules will be talked about. The lack of reporting by the Law Societies with regard to disciplinary hearings will be mentioned.

             Firstly a definition if what exactly is meant by the word 'profession". It is defined as a vocation or occupation requiring special, normally advanced, education which brings with it unique knowledge and skill. The activity and skill required in the profession is essentially mental or intellectual. Profession also "suggests a certain stature and prestige and implies that the activity to which it is attached possesses a special dignity that other jobs do not." It seems that a profession also controls the education of existing and potential members. It also has an organisation which controls its own decision making and the members of the profession must conform with the code of ethical conduct laid out by such an organisation.

             It is also argued by many academic observers that in a profession there is a duty to serve the good of the public , for an example of such academics see A. Kronman and P. Brown.

             It seems that in today"s world lawyers still have twin sets of values. One being that aforementioned duty to serve the good of the community as a whole. the other , lesser, duty being to serve their individual clients. the public service element has always been a linchpin of this particular profession.