Being “ olDFasHioneD ” isgooDFortHelegalproFession
Professionalism & ethics Committee
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constant feedback . Millennials , born between 1981-1996 , and Generation Z , born 1997-2015 , value mentorship , consistent feedback , clear direction , and flexible work environments .
The legal profession is stressful , and the stress is taking a toll on lawyers , especially young lawyers . My Personal and Professional Responsibility ( PPR ) text states between 50 to 75 percent of major disciplinary cases involve lawyers with substance abuse . Even more disturbing is data from over 3,000 law students indicating that law school students drink alcohol , use illegal drugs , experience eating and anxiety disorders , and are depressed at a higher rate than other graduate students .
The combination of our adversarial system of law and overly stressed lawyers is a recipe for disaster for young lawyers . The Florida Bar consists of over 100,000 lawyers , and approximately 4,000 are disciplined annually .
I passionately teach principles of the legal profession such as honesty , responsibility , accountability , professionalism , temperance , collegiality , and civility . Nevertheless , I am routinely reminded by future lawyers that I am “ old fashioned ,” because I wear a suit to work , practice my religion , believe in civility , and have hope for the future .
On September 12 , 2011 , the Florida Supreme Court decided “ old fashioned ” principles of the legal profession were in vogue when the Court unilaterally added a civility clause to the Florida Bar Oath of Office : “ To opposing parties and counsel , I pledge fairness , integrity , and civility , not only in court , but also in all written and oral communications .”
Bar associations around the country are following this trend because lawyers increasingly lack civility , decorum , professionalism and ethical behavior . I believe “ old fashioned ” lawyers must commit to mentoring future lawyers during law school and their initial years in the profession . Mentoring young
lawyers consists of more than assisting them with the practice of law . Effective mentoring involves modeling and addressing “ old fashioned ” virtues such as personal relationships , civility , social media , substance abuse , work-life balance , professional attire , and reputation in the community . Addressing these “ old fashioned ” ideals may be uncomfortable for experienced lawyers ; however , young lawyers desperately need us to step up and help them with these “ old fashioned ” issues . n
1 www . pewresearch . org / fact-tank / 2019 / 01 / 17 / where-millennials-endand-generation-z-begins /.
2 www . indeed . com / career-advice / career-development / generations-inthe-workplace .
Author : Renalia DuBose - Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
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