Before a lawyer can step into a Michigan courtroom or offer their services to clients, they must take a solemn oath—a commitment to uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and service. This oath isn’t just a formality. It’s a promise that reflects the heart of what it means to be an attorney: to seek truth, to protect the vulnerable, and to serve the law with honor. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, this oath guides us in every case we handle and every client we serve.
Let’s take a closer look at the promises we make and why they matter so much:
Supporting the Constitution
“I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Michigan.”
Our legal system is built on the foundation of these constitutions. When we take this part of the oath, we commit to defending the rights and liberties enshrined in these documents. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we see this as the heart of our work—ensuring that justice is accessible to all, and that every person’s rights are respected and protected.
Respect for Courts and Judges
“I will maintain the respect due to courts of justice and judicial officers.”
Respect for the judicial process is essential in maintaining the fairness and integrity of the legal system. We show this respect not just by following the rules, but by treating everyone in the courtroom with dignity—whether they are judges, opposing counsel, or clients. It’s through this respect that justice can function smoothly and impartially.
Upholding Justice
“I will not counsel or maintain any suit or proceeding which shall appear to me to be unjust, nor any defense except such as I believe to be honestly debatable under the law of the land.”
Integrity is at the core of this promise. As lawyers, we are trusted to fight for what is right, not just what is convenient or profitable. This means that if we believe a case lacks merit or is unjust, we will not pursue it. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we are proud to stand behind cases that align with truth and fairness, and we carefully consider every case before moving forward.
Commitment to Truth and Honor
“I will employ for the purpose of maintaining the causes confided to me such means only as are consistent with truth and honor, and will never seek to mislead the judge or jury by any artifice or false statement of fact or law.”
Truth matters—always. Whether we are presenting a case in court or discussing legal options with a client, our commitment to honesty is unwavering. We work hard to ensure that every argument we make and every piece of evidence we present reflects the truth. For us, truth and honor are more than just words—they are the backbone of how we practice law.
Protecting Client Confidentiality
“I will maintain the confidence and preserve inviolate the secrets of my client, and will accept no compensation in connection with my client’s business except with my client’s knowledge and approval.”
Clients trust us with their personal information, their stories, and their struggles. We safeguard that trust by ensuring confidentiality in every interaction. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we take this responsibility seriously—our clients’ secrets are safe with us, and we only act with their full knowledge and approval.
Professionalism and Respect
“I will abstain from all offensive personality, 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.”
Professionalism means treating everyone involved with respect, even in the most contentious cases. We avoid unnecessary attacks on anyone’s character or reputation and focus on advancing the truth. When emotions run high, we remain calm, courteous, and focused on the facts.
Defending the Vulnerable
“I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed, or delay any cause for lucre or malice.”
This part of the oath speaks to the very soul of why many of us become lawyers: to help those who need it most. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we take pride in defending the rights of the vulnerable and oppressed. We don’t shy away from tough cases, and we certainly don’t let financial gain or personal concerns stand in the way of doing what’s right.
Upholding High Standards
“I will in all other respects conduct myself personally and professionally in conformity with the high standards of conduct imposed upon members of the bar as conditions for the privilege to practice law in this State.”
Being a lawyer is a privilege, and with that privilege comes the responsibility to uphold the highest standards of conduct. This means maintaining integrity in everything we do—inside and outside the courtroom. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, these standards aren’t just part of the oath we took; they are woven into our everyday practice, guiding our interactions with clients, the court, and the community.
Living the Oath Every Day
At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, the lawyer’s oath isn’t something we took just once and then forgot about. It’s a promise that we live by every day. Whether we’re fighting for a client in the courtroom or offering legal advice in the office, these principles guide us. They remind us why we became lawyers—to serve justice, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
We are proud of the work we do, and we know that the trust our clients place in us is something to be honored, day in and day out. The lawyer’s oath is a reflection of that trust, and we are committed to keeping it in every aspect of our practice.
If you or a family member has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we understand how overwhelming these situations can be, and we are committed to providing you with the compassionate, dedicated representation you deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys follows the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and we will fight to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office—your well-being is our priority, and we’re ready to stand by your side.