PROFESSIONALISM CORNER
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PROFESSIONALISM CORNER
KALINTHIA DILLARD
Professionalism in Advocacy: Balancing Zeal with Courtesy and Civility( Continued)
Implications for the Profession
Professionalism is not merely aspirational— it is the foundation of the legal profession. Respectful conduct reinforces credibility, fosters trust, and promotes justice. When attorneys engage in unprofessional behavior, the consequences extend beyond the individual practitioner. Personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric can erode public confidence in the judicial system, strain collegial relationships, and set a bad example for young lawyers.
In today’ s polarized environment, attorneys carry a heightened duty as officers of the court to model civility. This means showing respect even in adversarial settings, using language that clarifies rather than provokes, and demonstrating integrity in advocacy. Thoughtful attention to tone and decorum helps prevent unnecessary conflict and preserves both the attorney’ s reputation and the public’ s trust in the legal system.
Florida lawyers have numerous resources that reinforce professional standards, including the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism’ s articles, guides, and podcasts; the mandatory 2-credit-hour Florida Legal Professionalism course approved by the Supreme Court; The Florida Bar’ s Counsel to Counsel Mentoring Program; and informal, peer-to-peer mentoring by local professionalism panels. Beyond modeling appropriate conduct, attorneys should encourage colleagues to regularly review the Oath of Admission, the Creed of Professionalism, the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, and the Professionalism Expectations.
Conclusion
Ultimately, zealous advocacy must remain aligned with the Standards of Professionalism. Zeal must be tempered by courtesy and civility. Passion may fuel advocacy, but it must never erode public confidence in the legal profession or the judicial system.
Kalinthia Dillard, General Counsel, Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General
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PBCBA BAR BULLETIN
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