A few weeks ago, it was my turn to make a 10-minute presentation at my local networking group. After some thought, I decided to discuss those things that have influenced the way I practice law, rather than the details of what I actually do. I wanted to focus on the how, not the what.  In the process I rediscovered something I had not thought about in a long time.

For us attorneys, there are three accomplishments that brought us to where we are today. The first is graduating from law school. As one would expect, this results in a lot of celebration. The physical reminder of this accomplishment is our diploma. My diploma was immediately framed (I spent a lot of money on that frame) and has been in my office ever since.

The second major accomplishment was passing the bar exam. We all have a story about how we nervously tore into the letter from the bar association to find out if we had passed. That letter may not have been framed, but was proudly passed around to friends and family.

The third accomplishment was being sworn in as an attorney. This means we took the oath of an attorney in open court in front of a judge. Afterwards, we signed the oath in front of the judge, who also signed. Perhaps there was some family there, and a sponsoring lawyer. Youthful, exuberant and full of hope, we then plunged headlong into our careers, determined to “make a dent in the universe”, as Steve Jobs would say.

For me, the last event happened thirteen years ago. Right now I can tell you where my diploma is and where the wallet-sized card is that was given to me by the bar association stating I am a licensed attorney.

But what about the swearing-in thing? Unlike the other two events, I don’t have a very clear memory of it. And more importantly, what did I swear to do? Most people know the traditional marriage oath. You know, the “’till death do us part” and “in sickness and in health” thing. But as I thought about this in preparing for my presentation, I came to the conclusion I had no idea what the attorney’s oath was.

So I rummaged through my belongings, found and dusted off the oath I had signed thirteen years ago. Well, not really. I had no idea where it was, and no idea whether I even kept a copy. Embarrassing.

A quick Internet search, and I found the Washington attorney’s oath.  Here is what it says:

I, _______________________ do solemnly declare:

1.  I am fully subject to the laws of the State of Washington and the laws of the United States and will abide by the same.

2.  I will support the constitution of the State of Washington and the constitution of the United States.

3.  I will abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct approved by the Supreme Court of the State of Washington.

4.  I will maintain the respect due to the courts of justice and judicial officers.

5.  I will not counsel, or maintain any suit, or proceeding, which shall appear to me to be unjust or any defense except as I believe to be honestly debatable under the law, unless it is in defense of a person charged with a public offense. I will employ for the purpose of maintaining the causes confided to me only those means consistent with truth and honor. I will never seek to mislead the judge or jury by any artifice or false statement.

6.  I will maintain the confidence and preserve inviolate the secrets of my client, and will accept no compensation in connection with the business of my client unless this compensation is from or with the knowledge and approval of the client or with the approval of the court.

7.  I will abstain from all offensive personalities, and advance no fact prejudicial to the honor or reputation of a party or witness unless required by the justice of the cause with which I am charged.

8.  I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed, or delay unjustly the cause of any person.

Does this surprise you? It surprised me. I had no idea my oath was that… broad. This oath isn’t just a “don’t lie, cheat and steal” oath. I actually promised to do some things as well. Like always consider the cause of the defenseless and oppressed. Yes, the promise to “abstain from all offensive personalities” is kind of quaint. But I’m quite certain the drafters of this oath were dead serious.

This leads to a few questions. The first one is very personal. Have I been keeping my oath? If this was a question about my marriage oath, I know exactly how to find out: ask my wife. How would I find out if I have kept my attorney’s oath? Of course, my conscience can give me some guidance. But probably the people to ask would be the attorneys I work with, the judges who know me, and my clients. Do I dare ask?

And I have more questions. Why had I completely forgotten about my oath of attorney?And why is it that I know exactly where my diploma and attorney card are and didn’t even bother to keep a copy of the oath I signed?

If I ever have an opportunity to sponsor a new attorney, I would require my new associate to frame the signed oath and hang it in his or her office alongside their diploma. I’d even be willing to pay for the framing. I would also make the swearing in ceremony more meaningful. Sure, there’s a lot to celebrate. But how about adding something making the event more contemplative, self-reflective and … solemn. Because if we break our marriage vows, we devastate our spouse and our children. If we brazenly break our attorney’s oath, is it not possible that we could negatively impact the lives of even more people?

The bottom line is that whatever we do for a living, it’s healthy to take a step back and reconsider the promises we made to get to where we are today.