John Irving Quotes

There is no presumption in this country that every person knows the law: it would be contrary to common sense and reason if it were so.

I'm trying to demystify the whole process. Make it simple, make it palatable. I want people to have respect for the law, and I want to educate people on the basics of the law.

Lawyers are the only persons in whom ignorance of the law is not punished.

It is just called Continuing Legal Education. You can go to lectures, you can even listen to tapes on airplanes - they want you to stay current. So you do have to stay current to maintain your license even if you are not practicing.

One of the things I was taught in law school is that I'd never be able to think the same again - that being a lawyer is something that's part of who I am as an individual now.

That's an interesting question. I would say that in general Americans know very little about the law. It's one of those things that most of us take for granted.

I can't see that it's wrong to give him a little legal experience before he goes out to practice law.

A lawyer without books would be like a workman without tools.

If you wish to be a lawyer, attach no consequence to the place you are in, or the person you are with; but get books, sit down anywhere, and go to reading for yourself. That will make a lawyer of you quicker than any other way.

Every man should know something of law; if he knows enough to keep out of it, he is a pretty good lawyer.

Unless you have a perception of who you are as a lawyer, you will never be at ease in dealing with legal matters, clients, or courts. But if you know who you are and why you're there, all you need is the expertise and the information.

I really did try to write it so that an educated public that cares about issues like this doesn't have to be a lawyer and can read it and understand it.

To play a lawyer and have one year of law school under your belt, you sort of know what you're talking about! I'm able to memorize the legal courtroom stuff a lot faster than I would have been able to otherwise.

I strongly support not just citizenship classes but also teaching children how the law works and the many ways it affects their lives.

I was attracted to law school because I believed it would help me prepare for a career in the real world.

I'm clearly not a major legal genius.

I don't know what I'm going to do with my law degree. Hopefully I'll get the law degree - that's the first step.

I was a lawyer for 10 years - a short time, but it molded me into who I am.

I studied law, and I was ready to be a lawyer in my country (Italy). Probably it is better for many clients that I changed my direction! But I was happy to study and I was a good student, I finished my studies. And everything that you learn is useful in life.

Ignorance of the law excuses no man.

I'm a lawyer. I make lawyers for a living.

There is no jewel in the world comparable to learning; no learning so excellent as knowledge of laws.

I am not an accomplished lawyer.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse in any country. If it were, the laws would lose their effect, because it can always be pretended.

I spent my life in the library reading books.