In this essay, I will suggest a framework for understanding the
evolution of conceptions of lawyers' obligation to serve the public.
Historically, the first way of viewing the lawyer's role was as a member
of America's governing class. Second came cause lawyering on behalf
of a particular issue. Third, and most recently, arose the idea of pro
bono lawyering, a less ambitious incarnation of the governing class
lawyer who contributes time to helping cause lawyers. These
categories are not rigid: for each individual they may overlap to one
degree or another. This framework is preliminary and requires
further research and development. Nonetheless, it provides a useful
tool for explaining how lawyers-and in particular the heroic lawyers
described in this symposium-connect to public service and for
identifying a basic strategic question the bar must answer in
determining how best to encourage lawyers to engage in public
service in the future