Fall 2025 Winner of the Young Legal Professionals Scholarship

Mackenzie King

Mackenzie is drawn to the many responsibilities that come with being a lawyer, and she is eager to make a difference within the legal system. Congratulations, Mackenzie, we admire your dedication to upholding justice and your passion for the law!

Read her essay here

The relationship between a lawyer and their client is one built on trust, communication, and ethical commitment. Lawyers do much more than argue cases in court. They serve as advocates, advisors, and protectors of individual rights. The responsibility lawyers carry toward their clients is both serious and wide-reaching. It involves not only legal skill but also integrity, empathy, and a deep understanding of justice. At the most basic level, a lawyer’s responsibility is to provide zealous representation within the boundaries of the law. Every person, no matter their background, financial status, or the accusations against them, deserves a fair chance in the legal system. The lawyer's job is not to judge the client’s actions or past, but to ensure their rights are respected and defended. This is especially important in criminal defense, where a person’s future, reputation, and freedom can be at stake.

In fulfilling this role, a lawyer must communicate clearly and consistently. Clients often come to lawyers in times of crisis or confusion. Whether facing criminal charges, dealing with a divorce, or fighting for custody, people rely on legal guidance when they are most vulnerable. A responsible lawyer takes time to explain options, legal procedures, and possible outcomes in a way the client can understand. This allows the client to make informed decisions and feel supported throughout the legal process.

Another core responsibility is confidentiality. A client must feel safe sharing all relevant information with their lawyer. Without this trust, the lawyer cannot provide effective counsel. The legal profession holds confidentiality as a sacred rule. It is not simply about protecting information, but about preserving the trust and honesty needed for a strong defense or legal strategy. Breaching that trust can damage not only the case but also the client’s dignity and the public’s faith in the legal system. Lawyers are also expected to act with honesty and high ethical standards. They must avoid misleading the court or assisting clients in any illegal behavior. Although lawyers are dedicated to their clients, they are also officers of the court. They must follow the rules of conduct and serve the greater purpose of justice. This means a lawyer must balance loyalty to the client with a commitment to truth and fairness. In practice, this balance can be difficult, but it is essential to maintaining both professional credibility and public trust.

I am drawn to these responsibilities because I want to become a criminal defense attorney. I have seen how people from underserved communities can be mistreated or overlooked in the justice system. I want to be the person who stands beside them, listens to their stories, and gives them a real chance to be heard. Being a lawyer is not just about legal victories. It is about human connection and fighting for fairness when it matters most. In my college and future legal studies, I intend to explore not only how the law works but why it matters. I want to understand the deeper social issues that impact legal outcomes, such as poverty, mental health, systemic bias, and lack of access to resources. I believe a great lawyer must understand both the letter of the law and the lives of the people they represent. I also hope to study legal ethics in depth. I understand that the legal profession is filled with gray areas. There will be moments when doing what is right might come into conflict with what is easy or profitable. I want to prepare myself to make hard choices based on principle and responsibility, not just convenience or pressure.

At the heart of it all, the responsibility lawyers have to their clients is about treating people with respect. Behind every case number or legal document is a human being with a story, a struggle, and a hope for justice. Lawyers hold the power to protect that hope and help people move forward with their lives. That power should never be taken lightly. To me, the role of a lawyer is not only a career but a calling. I look forward to learning the law and using it to serve others. With every class, internship, and real-world experience, I hope to grow into a professional who earns the trust of my clients and upholds the responsibilities that come with this important work.