In the intricate world of law where ethical practices are paramount, the reality that some lawyers occasionally mislead their adversaries casts a shadow on the legal profession. While the fundamental ethical rules mandate truthfulness in legal representations, deviations do occur, impacting both the judicial process and the trust between legal professionals.

At the start of his career, a young lawyer encountered a situation where his adversary attempted to manipulate the legal outcome by falsely claiming that an appeal was considered frivolous by the appellate court. This tactic was aimed at pressuring the young lawyer into discontinuing the appeal prematurely. Suspecting deception, the lawyer requested proof of the alleged court communication, which never materialized, revealing the adversary’s dishonesty.

In another instance, a lawyer was misled about the status of service papers in a new action filed against his client. His adversary erroneously declared that the time to respond had expired, potentially hurrying a defensive response that might omit crucial defenses. It was later discovered that the service papers had not been served at the time of that claim, unveiling either a serious mix-up or a deliberate lie.

These anecdotes underscore a worrying aspect of legal practice where some attorneys might choose deception to gain an advantage in their cases. This behavior not only undermines the individual integrity of the lawyers involved but also the overall trustworthiness of the legal system, which relies heavily on honest communication.

However, it's essential to recognize that while some lawyers engage in such deceptive practices, the majority adhere to high standards of honesty and professionalism. Being truthful not only aligns with ethical guidelines but also builds a reputable and respected practice in the legal community. For lawyers, the takeaway is clear: trust but verify. Ensuring the accuracy of information received from adversaries is not just cautious but necessary for effective legal practice and maintaining the integrity of the justice system.