In the early 1980's states started requiring lawyers to pool their smallest, short-term client accounts.

And she said she had required lawyers who receive substantial fees to take on some estate cases for free.

Rather, he said, it will require private lawyers, foundations and charities to shoulder more of the burden.

Last year, New York began requiring lawyers newly admitted to practice to take 32 hours during their first two years.

Though, he added, the commission is considering requiring lawyers to do so.

In the fall, the agency may consider requiring lawyers to report such concerns to regulators.

The idea of requiring lawyers to devote time to public interest law has been stirring in several states.

The rules would have required corporate lawyers, for instance, to report to regulators if they failed to persuade managers to fix potential securities law violations.

The whole show was arranged on something of a handshake basis, the kind guaranteed to require lawyers later on.

Many law firms allow business casual on "office days," but require lawyers to wear suits when they meet clients.