Lawyers writing about their own cases: good or bad?

"There must be another
word for 'brilliant' ..."

"Should lawyers write Current Intelligence case notes on cases in which they have been personally involved on behalf of clients?" 

This was the question on which we recently polled our readers.  A disappointingly small number of respondents, just 27, participated in our sidebar poll and, as can be seen from their answers, there was no general consensus as to whether personal involvement in such circumstances was a good thing or a bad one.  The results are broken down as follows:

• Absolutely not: they are bound to be motivated by conscious or subconscious bias 11 (40%)
  
• Certainly: they are closer to the case than anyone else and can enrich readers' understanding of their cases 6 (22%)
  
• Yes, they should, but the journal has a heavy responsibility to edit out any signs of bias 6 (22%)
  
• There shouldn't be a blanket rule: it all depends on the identity and integrity of the lawyer 2 (7%)
  
• They should be allowed to write on their own cases if lawyers on the other side have the right to respond or make comments 1 (3%)
  
• It doesn't matter much, since readers can usually read the case for themselves online 1 (3%)

Under the circumstances, JIPLP will continue to accept for publication case notes written by lawyers who were involved in those cases, but will exercise vigilance to ensure that, as far as possible, no author exceeds the bounds of propriety in doing so.