What is the Prelle Eron & Bailey philosophy on professionalism?

More than anything, professionalism in the legal world is often misunderstood. Among other things, Webster’s Dictionary defines “professional” as, “engaged in a specific occupation for pay” or “having much experience or great skill in a specified role.”

While these definitions are not wrong, they are incomplete and create a view of the attorney as a “hired gun.” This “hired gun” approach to being a professional has taken root not only with many lawyers, but with the public at large. Webster’s first definition for “professional” provides a more holistic perspective: “of, engaged in, or worthy of the high standards of, a profession.”

Historically, there were considered to be three learned professions: medicine, theology, and law

Historically, there were considered to be three learned professions: medicine, theology, and law, all of them disciplines requiring great skill and demanding that the practitioner place those skills at service of the general public. While a professional was entitled to be fairly compensated for the provision of those services, profit was considered an illegitimate motive for a professional.

Even through a major portion of the twentieth century, it was completely illegal for attorneys to advertise their services. In many places, the fees that any lawyer could charge for a specific service were strictly regulated by local bar associations based upon the nature of the service and the ability and experience of the lawyer providing the service. Attorneys depended upon referrals and their general reputation in the profession and the community at large to receive business.

While much has changed, some things for the better, there is much to be admired about the older way of practicing law. Law should be practiced as a service to the community. The public is ill-equipped to understand and operate in the courtroom environment. That is particularly true in the context of bankruptcy.

Therefore, the Kansas bankruptcy attorneys at Prelle Eron & Bailey are committed to providing services, where appropriate, on a low fee or no fee basis for the most financially distressed individuals. Prelle Eron & Bailey will not engage in advertising that is blatantly designed to create the desire for legal services—we seek only to inform those already in need of such services.

We also strive to maintain the utmost respect for our colleagues in the profession. Our attorneys will not engage in personal warfare against members of our profession, whether in court documents, correspondence, or conversation. Nor will we respond in like fashion to such behavior. In all of our dealings, we strive to be collegial and courteous.