Because It Is Liberal — Precisely for That Reason, the Legal Profession Has a Future
Reclaiming the Meaning of “Liberal” in Law
In current debates about the future of the legal profession, the term “liberal” is often misunderstood, politicised or oversimplified. Yet, when stripped of contemporary rhetoric and examined in its original sense, it reveals a concept that lies at the very heart of legal practice: freedom exercised in service of society.
Derived from the Latin liber, meaning free, the notion of the liberal profession historically referred to individuals who act with intellectual autonomy and a strong sense of public responsibility. These qualities remain central to the legal profession today: independent judgement, intellectual rigour and a commitment to the common good.
Liberalism as a Professional Identity
At DelCanto, we understand the liberal nature of the legal profession not as an ideological position, but as a professional identity grounded in autonomy, responsibility and ethical judgement.
This understanding of liberalism emphasises:
the provision of high-quality, intellectually rigorous legal services
the exercise of professional activity with both economic and intellectual independence
a strong sense of personal accountability to clients
the prioritisation of professional excellence over purely financial considerations
These principles define how we believe lawyers should understand their role in society — as independent professionals whose value lies in judgment, expertise and integrity.
Independence as the Foundation of Trust
Liberal legal practice is not detached from public interest; rather, it serves the public good through independent and principled decision-making. Independence is not merely structural or regulatory — it is a moral and professional obligation.
For DelCanto, independence means:
defending client interests free from improper influence
forming legal opinions grounded in principle rather than convenience
maintaining professional confidence in complex or adversarial contexts
Far from being outdated, independence strengthens trust — the cornerstone of the lawyer-client relationship and of the legal system as a whole.
A Future Anchored in Liberal Values
The legal profession has a future precisely because it is liberal — not in a narrow political sense, but as a profession rooted in freedom of thought, ethical responsibility and intellectual autonomy.
At DelCanto, we view this liberal foundation as a practical compass guiding how we practise law, advise clients and contribute to the profession — today and for the future.