WHERE ARE WE GOING?

THE PAST AND FUTURE OF CANADIAN SCHOLARSHIP ON LEGAL ETHICS FOR GOVERNMENT LAWYERS

Abstract

In this essay I assess and reflect on the past and future of the Canadian literature on legal ethics and professionalism for government lawyers in order to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas for growth and to evaluate its long-term viability. I call for the existing and continuing first wave of doctrinal work to be joined by a second wave of analytical and critical work. Ultimately, I conclude that this literature is at a defining moment and that, without timely and sustained contributions by both academics and government lawyers, it risks failure as a meaningful area of study.