one another in their haste to bring cases to them. But making a "great splurge," as it is sometimes called, usually carries with it a dire certainty of disaster. The prospective client is swift to perceive the real situation, to realize that the expenses for this lavish equipment must come out of somebody, and perchance fears that he himself might be a victim. So he goes elsewhere for legal assistance.

The safe way is to present merely the best appearance that is consistent with one's circumstances and reasonably certain prospects. A dignified, manly attitude toward the public is worth vastly more in the end than any amount of bluster and empty show. A law practice comes slowly, and expenditures should be regulated with that idea in view.

§ 14. OFFICE NOT A LOUNGING PLACE.

A law office should not be a lounging place for the attorney's idle friends and acquaintances. The presence of idlers not only disconcerts the lawyer, who would otherwise be deeply engrossed in necessary work or study, but also tends to keep away prospective clients.

Loud, boisterous conversation, especially during office hours, gives the law office and its occupants an unfavorable reputation in the neighborhood.

§ 15. OFFICE TO BE CONSTANTLY IN BUSINESS

TRIM.

The law office should at all times during business hours be in readiness for the reception of possible clients. It is usually at the most unexpected moments that a seeker for legal services walks into the office. The lawyer should not be in his shirt sleeves unless the weather is so intolerably hot as to furnish him a valid excuse. Little things in appearance and deportment signify much to clients and especially to female clients.

POLLUTION OF AIR BY SMOKING

The air of the office should be fresh and wholesome. A person coming into an office from out of doors instantly detects any oppressiveness or improper condition of the office ventilation. This is true even when an odor in the air is so slight that the occupant does not dream of its presence.

The stifling fumes of tobacco smoke are especially objectionable. It is at best an awkward expedient to open the windows and "air out" after the client arrives. The client is embarrassed at being the cause of this sudden change in office conditions, and the occupant is disconcerted at being found in such an unwholesome atmosphere.

But disagreeable as is the odor that saturates the office from cigars and ordinary tobacco, it is as

incense compared with the villianous aftermath of cigarette smoking. Many laymen, after visiting an office in which such conditions are found, express themselves of the opinion that the lawyer or lawyers therein have little or no practice and beguile the time by deadening their senses with cigarette "dope."

Whether this be a just criticism or not, the prevailing impression of the deleterious effect of cigarette smoking should prompt the lawyer to avoid the appearance of the habit, even though his natural sense of courtesy to prospective clients is not strong enough to accomplish the same result.

§ 16. LEAVING THE OFFICE DOOR AJAR.

A very good plan to pursue in striving to make the office attractive to prospective clients, if the office is off a corridor in an office building, is to leave the office door ajar or part way open so that a portion of the office interior can be seen. A stranger always hesitates to open a closed door but if the door is part way open the invitation to enter the office is suggestively cordial and emboldening.

If two law offices opening from the same corridor confront the person seeking legal assistance, and one office door is partly open and the other tightly closed, the chances are ten to one, granting that both lawyers are equally unknown, that the pros

pective client will choose the office with the open door.

§ 17. SUMMARY OF CHAPTER.

The location of a law office has a profound influence upon the success or failure of the lawyer and hence upon his professional conduct. The large city with its manifold attractions and advantages is the goal of the ordinary lawyer, yet, under some circumstances, the small community is preferable as a location during the early years of practice.

The question of apprenticeship in the office of an older lawyer with its advantages and disadvantages is often difficult of solution. Desk room or independent office is usually a matter to be regulated by circumstances. The office, when once established, should bear evidence of the presence of a studious lawyer. The appearance of the office, the presence of loungers, atmospheric conditions, especially with reference to tobacco smoking, are each discussed. Leaving the office door ajar is a commendable practice.

CHAPTER III

DUTIES TO THE CLIENT

SEC. 18. Is it a Duty to Accept any Client?

Not Policy to Refuse Case unless for Good Reasons.
Undesirable Clients.

SEC. 19. Freedom of Choice.

SEC. 20.
SEC. 21.

Freedom of Choice a Valuable Asset of Lawyer.
Effect of Choosing Clients Wisely.

Duty not to Accept Case if a Party in Adverse Interest.
Duty not to Accept if Representing Adverse Party.
Duty Where Both Contending Parties are Clients.
Not to Accept if Recently Counsel for Adverse Party.
Duty in Case of Divorce Sought by Friends.

SEC. 22.

SEC. 23.

SEC. 24.

Duty to Accept Case against Fellow Attorney.

§ 18. IS IT A DUTY TO ACCEPT ANY CLIENT? One of the questions confronting a lawyer, especially after the waiting period is over and new clients begin to come in more frequently, is whether to accept or decline a proffered case.

Were it a matter affecting merely the case offered, the question would be less difficult, but the entire future with this particular litigant hangs