... neither particularly funny nor appropriate to the conversation. More of a gratuitous slap at any easy target.

I like good lawyer jokes as much as the next guy (and more than most lawyers). I even wrote one once myself and used it as the lead item in my client newsletter.

And I generally take no offense to them, however much I think they disparage the profession. However, it has been my experience that most lawyers are as honest and ethical as pracitioners of other professions; and more so than some.

I don't recall what you do for a living, Mike. If you'll promise to disparage that profession next time, I'll promise to "get a grip" and laugh a little.

----- jim o\-S