Dear Onsite,
I am a 31-year-old married defense lawyer who is addicted to inappropriate conduct with my clients. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself. I’ve been caught doing it twice, and I’m afraid I’m going to lose my license to practice law. I started this behavior when I was a first-year associate. I was assigned to a case involving a man who had been charged with stabbing his business partner. When we first locked eyes in the court, I was immediately drawn to him. In our brief, he made it very clear that he found me attractive. We would eventually have sex in his car in the back of the courthouse parking lot. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t help myself. I felt like I was in control, and I liked the power I had over him.
Our affair carried on for 2 months and I ended things because he was getting too clingy. A few years later, I was assigned to a case involving a gentleman accused of robbing a jewelry store. He was innocent, I knew it, and I was determined to get him acquitted. I started spending a lot of time with him, and we eventually started dating.
I knew it was wrong, but I didn’t care. I was so focused on winning his case that I didn’t think about the consequences. My husband would eventually discover this affair from looking through my phone one day. He found everything from nudes to sex videos and raunchy text exchanges between me and my clients.
My marriage is in shambles and I’m now in therapy to get my life back on track. I know I’m a sick person, but I want to get better. I don’t want to hurt anyone else but I also don’t want to stop.
I’m writing to you because I’m hoping you can help me. I’m afraid I’m going to end up in jail if I don’t get help.
Sincerely,
A Desperate Lawyer
Response:
Chileeeeeee…. Not only is what you’re doing illegal and unethical, but you are a terrible person wielding your position of power with these affairs you’re having with these criminal hoodlums! Imagine getting disbarred & losing your career over sex? Get it together sis
If you or anyone is struggling with inappropriate conduct with clients, there is help available. There are many resources available to help you get the treatment you need. You can also contact the National Hotline at 800-656-4673 for support.
