whAT DO we DO nOw ?
Professionalism & Ethics Committee
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and time have been saved — and how much risk avoided — by not physically transporting incarcerated defendants to and from the courthouse for every hearing , however trivial or cursory . Postpandemic , let ’ s continue to use technology whenever possible to make the judicial branch ever more efficient and accessible .
But sometimes there ’ s no substitute for the real thing . As great as technology is , the pandemic has underscored the importance of interpersonal relationships and in-person trials . By now , even the introverts among us probably want to rub shoulders in the courtrooms , hallways , and elevators again . We are social animals and we need human contact . And is there any trial lawyer anywhere who wants to conduct jury selection — to say nothing of a full trial — via Zoom ? In all jury trials , and criminal trials in particular , there ’ s no substitute for everyone being together in the same room .
What we do really does matter . If we didn ’ t know the importance of access to the courts before COVID-19 , we know now . With the courts closed to the general public , attorneys became even more important . As a solo practitioner , I fielded dozens of calls in the past year asking for assistance , and I am sure I am not alone . Often the caller didn ’ t need legal advice or representation , just help navigating the legal system . We are privileged to be members of the Florida Bar and officers of the court , and accompanying that privilege is a solemn responsibility to help laypersons with their legal questions and concerns whenever and wherever possible . We must not forget that .
The Golden Rule . In the legal profession , as with everything else in life , we need to treat others the way we want to be treated . It can be difficult , particularly when our system of justice is designed to be adversarial . But I ’ m not perfect and neither are you . Many have died during the pandemic . Moving forward , let ’ s strive to keep the main thing the main thing , to not sweat the small stuff , and to show each other some grace . n
Author : Shelton Bridges - Bridges Law
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