Glorifying God Through Research and Writing

Lawyers must remain objective when searching for solutions during conquests of legal research and writing. Counselors needn’t implement political will to issue impartial legal representation. Attorneys—win or lose—at the end of their case, and after departing from their client; must answer to God. Thus, an attorney’s impartial position of zealous representation is itself an act of worship; allowing transparency without biases. A lawyer’s intentional impartiality allows for the jury and adjudicator to be the judges of fault, or guilt; as intended by the U.S. Constitution. Biased synthetic interpretive opinion in law is the maleficent malpractice of jurisprudence; compromising the client’s right to equal representation under U.S. law. Glorifying God through legal research and writing requires ethical persuasion to achieve His intended glory as indicated by Scripture. The act of legal persuasion must be dignified and professional; it must convey truth, facts, and strive to uphold God’s intentions (id est man’s preservation of His inherent natural laws for posterity). Yet the lawyer must navigate through both relevant statutes and case law in the given jurisdiction to use logos and discern an effective methodology to implement within his persuasive argument. Robin Slocum reminds us, lawyers “must not only convince the judge that the original rule of law itself supports your interpretation, but that mandatory precedent gives the judge the legal authority to adopt your interpretation.” Robin W. Slocum, Legal Reasoning, Writing, and Other Lawyering Skills, 405 (4th Edition 2022). The art of legal persuasion must source its ethos from God; offering a reassurance that its intention is to bring benefit to the client and future generations of cases. As Christian apologist Darrell Bock writes; “[e]ach person becomes accountable before God for their choices, no matter what the laws of the land may be.” Darrell L. Bock, Cultural Intelligence 124 (B&H Academic, 2017).

Legal Research Must Judge Righteously

        The Old Testament reminds man to “judge the people with righteous judgment.” Deuteronomy 16:18d (NASB). Attorneys must observe this natural law. Moreover, the Old Testament offers a legal decree lawyers must consider when conducting objective legal research and writing; “[y]ou shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 16:19-20 (NASB).
        Although Lawyers bear the ability to utilize persuasive tactics and legal interpretations to malevolently persuade the adjudicator, or coerce some form of immoral settlement under the laws of man; nefarious actions remain unpersuasive to God. The lawyer must adhere to a stricter moral code than avoiding committing crimes. Thus, legal research and writing requires the lawyer be an ambassador of honesty. The client must know their case can be trusted to be not only zealously represented; but their arguments founded on morality and righteousness. Similarly, Jesus revealed in the New Testament that “[y]ou have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV). The lawyer mustn’t base legal research and writing on a client’s pathos, giving himself time to cross-reference and check the validity of his sources. Otherwise, the legal counselor risks incorporating subjective opinions into an objective 'Statements of Facts,' or arguing in a manner unfavorable within the jurisdiction. Here, Robin Slocum advises, “[b]efore arguing that a higher level court in your jurisdiction has already resolved the issue in a manner favorable to your legal position, review the previous court decision with an excruciatingly precise attention to detail.” Robin W. Slocum, Legal Reasoning, Writing, and Other Lawyering Skills 406 (4^th ed. 2022).
        Jesus reminds lawyers in the Gospel; that both on and off the courts, “[t]he one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.” John 7:18 (ESV). Jesus reminds lawyers who deny their faith in practice; “Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” John 7:19 (ESV). It is essential that lawyers review their writings to ensure it best magnifies the image of Christ; thus illuminating His truth and light through equivocated argument in the darkness of the courts.
        Slocum writes; in practice, an attorney’s attention should “review each and every word of the case, including the footnotes, noting the specific quoted language that supports your argument.” Robin W. Slocum, Legal Reasoning, Writing, and Other Lawyering Skills, 406 (4th Edition 2022). Lawyers must strive to fulfill the Laws as Christ did; for Jesus said “[d]o not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”  Matthew 5:17,18 (ESV). It is the lawyer’s duty to fulfill His Law; for nothing can be accomplished nor can true justice be achieved from God’s Law; until the attorney has made a personal commitment unto Christ.

Legal Writing Must be Truthful

        Before the Judge’s adoption of legal precedent will support an attorney’s interpretation of a rule of law; the lawyer’s professional actions and personal mind must first represent Christ. The Old Testament reminds the contemporary lawyer that when briefing cases, he must build a concise case for future use; therefore he must “[w]rite down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it.” Habakkuk 2:2b (CSB). The New Testament confirms this; writing that in legal writing, attorneys must “[w]rite, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” Revelation 1:19 (NIV). Jesus gives His guidance to those willing to listen; thus, true objective discernment, impartial and without human bias; comes from God. As Christ came to fulfill His law; as Jesus decrees unto man—“[y]ou are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;”—so should the attorney be virtuous in his lawyering. As the Lord spaketh unto man, “[n]or do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV). A skilled lawyer mustn’t hoard his abilities, and neglect contributing to representing those in need. Jesus’s words decree the obligation of the legal counselor; the lawyer must attest to carry the Light of the Lord in his representation of the client’s interest. Thus, the counselor ought to train himself to consistently recalibrate his moral values to mirror Jesus; (2 Cor 3:18). For God’s provision is the lawyer’s objective state of impartiality. His Holy Spirit is alive inside us; (Acts 2:4). Attorneys must place their biases aside to be granted discernment, provision, and connect with the Lord’s power. Christian apologist William Lane Craig offers valuable advice applicable to jurists; “[e]vildoing is spiritually deadly and alienates us from God, so that spiritual death can be a consequence of sin even if not a punishment for sin for those who have no law.” William Lane Craig, In Quest of the Historical Adam: A Biblical and Scientific Exploration 337 (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2021). A lawyer’s personal pursuit to glorify God through legal research and writing ensures he remain righteous in his analysis, interpretation, and argument. To achieve this, the attorney must possess a vision that aligns with Christ. As Kris Vallotton, pastor at Bethel Church writes, “it is vision that causes people to keep the law. When people lose their vision, they no longer keep the rules, restrain their options or live disciplined lives.” Kris Vallotton, Heavy Rain 214 (Chosen Books: Baker Publishing Group, 2d ed. 2016).
        God decrees the importance of avoiding manipulation of evidence or witness testimony. Jesus’s words remind us; “[t]herefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19,20 (ESV). Moreover, the attorney must consider that his actions may set legal precedence on future cases within the scope of jurisdiction; depending on the authority of the court. As it is written, “[f]or whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.” Romans 15:4-6 (CSB). The attorney’s job is to ensure he fulfills this divine obligation decreed by God unto the legal profession; for justice by law facilitates harmony, thus bringing glory to His Kingdom.

The Ethical Obligation of Lawyering

        The American Bar Assocaition's (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct’s (MRPC) Rule 1.3 describes an attorney’s model for diligence. Thus, “[a] lawyer should pursue a matter on behalf of a client despite opposition, obstruction or personal inconvenience to the lawyer, and take whatever lawful and ethical measures are required to vindicate a client’s cause or endeavor.” The comment goes on to address a lawyer’s obligation to act with “commitment” and “dedication;” whilst exercising “reasonable diligence.” American Bar Association (ABA), Model Rules of Professional Conduct 17 (ABA Publishing, 2024). A lawyer’s observance and acknowledgment of ethics is so important that it exists—aside from (1) competence and (2) scope of representation—third in the hierarchy of Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Yet the primary function of ethics in legal research and writing lies on the macro level: security; the assurance of zealous legal representation, and the pursuit of justice.
        The Bible vows “[y]ou will be secure under a government that is just and fair. Your enemies will stay far away. You will live in peace, and terror will not come near.” Isaiah 54:14 (NLT). The Justice System remains an essential function of government and against tyranny. Thus, lawyers are tasked the duty to uphold God’s image in their actions, displaying righteousness in zealous research and persuasive writing. Attorneys who believe in the living word of Scripture must themselves commit to deliver God’s promise of just and fair governance; especially when faced with the personal temptation to win a case. The lawyer can be at peace knowing that a moral reliance on His word alone will defeat enemies that persist to defeat him and his client.

Conclusion

Through righteous research; and being accurate, truthful, and fair in writing; the attorney can ensure he remains impartial and best represents his client’s interests in the image of God. Scripture reveals God’s system of justice that has existed throughout antiquity. Thus, it bears the obligation of lawyers to continue the Lord’s tradition; offering clients access to representation by His Holy Spirit, rather than man’s biased interpretation of justice. The action of conducting legal research; and writing memoranda, briefs, or motions; is the act of personal worshipping God. In sum, glorifying God through legal research and writing sets an essential precedent for the case that we as attorneys are obligated to possess.