I think what you're asking is...it's the essential role of what the lawyer does for the client always. I've had many times, within private practice and in public practice, where the clients didn't want to hear what I was telling them. It goes back to that opening rule that I stated for you, which is that I view my role, when I'm wearing the hat of lawyer, especially when there are competing options, as making sure that the client is fully apprised of all of the risks and consequences of what they're going to do. I have no difficulty telling them that.
In a sense, I have the ability to stand off and say, “I'm giving you legal advice. You're going to be making the decision, but when you do it, you're going to be an informed buyer; you're going to understand the implications that flow.” I think that's the best I can do as the lawyer.
I remember when I first came into public practice, it was very common to hear this kind of conversation: “He doesn't want to hear that.” I found that totally absurd, because the consequences of someone not hearing and being ill-prepared or blindsided, in my view, would be far worse than being confronted with your honest take on what the story is.
That's been a guiding principle for me throughout private sector days and public sector days. It's the way I view my role. As I said, I take very seriously the trust you're placing in me. I consider this an incredible honour, and I'm going to do everything I can to discharge the function in the fashion I spoke about.