Ethics over comfort: the hidden courage of legal professionals

Susy Aryani, Independent Legal & Corporate Governance Consultant, explores the personal and professional courage required to speak and stay true to legal ethics under pressure.

In any workplace, especially in the legal profession, the decision to speak up or remain silent can often feel like a difficult and isolating choice. On one hand, raising concerns – whether ethical, legal or procedural – can lead to unwanted personal or professional consequences, including push back, scrutiny, being labeled a non-team player or even potential career risks. On the other hand, staying silent can feel like a betrayal of one’s own values, leaving you questioning your decision to become a lawyer in the first place.

Just because something is legal doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ethical. The law provides a framework, but ethics demand a deeper, more personal standard – one that speaks to who we are when no one is watching, and what we choose to stand for when it matters most.

As lawyers, we are not only bound by the laws we enforce but also by ethical standards that govern our actions. These ethical guidelines are not just meant to avoid mistakes; they are safeguards, helping us navigate complex and sometimes uncomfortable situations with a clear conscience. Our professional responsibility extends beyond what is legally permissible to ensuring we uphold the core values of justice, fairness and integrity at all times. After all, what is a lawyer without this basic commitment to ethical conduct? Without these principles, we would simply be individuals practicing law, rather than true stewards of justice, fairness and integrity.

“Could I have done more?”

It’s true that speaking up can sometimes put us in difficult positions, whether it involves confronting authority, challenging colleagues or addressing uncomfortable truths. While these moments may be challenging in the short term, the long-term rewards of remaining aligned with our ethical principles are priceless. By taking a stand for what is right – despite the discomfort – it solidifies our professional identity and reinforces trust in our own values.

What can often be even more difficult than dealing with the immediate consequences of speaking up is living with the weight of silence. The nagging voice that asks, “Could I have done more?” can be far more persistent and troubling than dealing with the fallout from making a tough but principled choice. In many cases, the emotional burden of knowing we ignored an issue or compromised our values is much harder to bear than any temporary discomfort that might come from doing the right thing.

         
Ultimately, the choice between speaking up and staying silent is never simple. But as legal professionals, our duty to uphold integrity and justice is paramount. While the short-term consequences may be difficult, the long-term benefits of aligning our actions with our ethical values far outweigh the cost of silence. By standing up for what is right, we not only protect our professional identity but also foster a culture of accountability and trust within the legal field.

Remember, doing the right thing isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it!

About the author:

Susy Aryani is a dynamic female leader with over 25 years of international experience gained as General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer and Chief Operating Officer, having worked in having worked in diverse markets such as London, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.
Susy is an experienced English solicitor with a track record of managing complex international transactions in both the private and public sector, in the areas of Mergers and Acquisition, Private Equity, Debt and Equity Restructuring, Joint Venture, Hospitality and Real Estate Development, Finance including Project Finance, Capital Markets, Syndicated Lending (Conventional and Islamic) and Financial Technology (Fintech), General Corporate and Commercial and Dispute Resolution across the Middle East, the US, Asia, Europe and Africa.
Suzy is considered to be a thought leader in Corporate Governance with extensive operational experience and a deep understanding of Risk Management, Compliance, Audit and CSR/ESG.
Suzy acts as a mentor and coach to individuals from diverse backgrounds and levels of authority, with a particular focus on empowering women in the workplace and championing diversity and inclusion.

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