PBCBA BAR BULLETINS pbcba_bulletin_Nov. 2019 | Page 24

PROFESSIONALISM CORNER Three Steps We Can All Take Towards Developing A Reputation For Professionalism BEN FECHTER As a lawyer, your reputation is everything. At least, that is what many of us were told as law students and young lawyers. We were scared straight with videos of embarrassing behavior in depositions, copies of hilariously offensive e-mails, and transcripts of public reprimands by the Florida Supreme Court. Even The Florida Bar’s Creed of Professionalism states: “I will abstain from rude, disruptive, disrespectful, and abusive behavior…” Fair enough. We all know what not to do. But what active steps can lawyers take to develop a reputation for professionalism? professional conduct in your community. Now, this does not mean you always need to be “on” or that you need to act like someone you’re not. It just means we all have an obligation to be trustworthy, to promote fairness, and to act with respect – in whatever we do. We network for the guidance, the relatable stories, and the shared wisdom. Our personal connections within the legal community can boost our books of business and our bottom lines, but they also bring meaning to a career that can feel stressful and isolating. During the Palm Beach County Law Week last April, I had the opportunity to conduct a mock trial with the students at Everglades Elementary School right here in town. So I suited up and gave an overview of the legal field. My intention was for the students to leave with a positive impression of lawyers Step One: Get out there. and courts. The students conducted the trial and were clearly fascinated with the The Palm Beach County Bar Association process; swearing to tell the truth, asking has dozens of committees that offer “gotcha!” questions on cross-examination, legal professionals the opportunity to get and swaying the jury with impassioned involved. Whether you are a solo or small closing arguments. firm practitioner, want to enhance your alternative dispute resolution skills, or Many of the students, however, also are curious about fast-paced changes in remarked on the importance of fairness, legal technology, these committees are integrity, and justice. Modeling a small wellsprings for personal and professional legal process left these students with connections. Committees typically meet the impression that professionalism is once a month for lunch either at the Palm important, and can be fun. How we act Beach County Bar Association office or in front of our children, peers, and even at the Palm Beach County Courthouse. strangers boosts our reputation and helps Attend a meeting and you will quickly be sway the public’s confidence in a just legal rubbing elbows with professionals who system. are committed to enhancing the legal community. Step Three: Prioritize personal connections. Take advantage of the legal professionals in Palm Beach County. Build relationships through a genuine interest in learning, mentoring, or giving back. Your reputation will develop more from the people who care about you than from the business cards in your desk. Even if you are not interested in joining a committee, local bar events constantly offer ways to get involved. For example, the Young Lawyer Section hosts monthly happy hours for the entire legal community. Not only that, but the YLS is committed to giving back to the community through events such as the dance marathon at the Quantum House, the Adopt-a-School partnership with Office Depot, and various golf and fishing charities throughout the year. If you are hesitant on how to start developing your reputation, start small. Focus on one or two groups or events that you can contribute to and get out there. Lawyers constantly interact with colleagues, judges, clients, investigators, property appraisers, you name it. The people you interact with will begin to (or already do) associate your name and face to your personality. You may be nice, you may be shy, you may be loud, or you may be funny. Regardless of our individual personalities, we can all be professional. Yes, networking is a vital part of developing a reputation. Just be sure to network for the right reasons. Instead of focusing on how you or your practice can gain from others, prioritize the human side of your network. Remember Christian Bale’s character Step Two: Model professionalism. bragging about his business cards in American Psycho? Bone coloring. Silian Embrace a commitment to enhancing the Rail font… But I digress. The real magic is legal system’s reputation by modelling what happens after cards are exchanged. PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 24 On September 16, 2019, the Florida Supreme Court approved 1,487 candidates for admission to the Florida Bar. Whether you fall within that group, or have been practicing law for decades, the time is always right to develop your reputation. So get out there, model professionalism, and prioritize your personal connections. Who knows where your reputation will take you? Ben Fechter is an associate at Gunster’s West Palm Beach office where he focuses on business litigation matters. Within the Palm Beach County Bar Association, Ben is an active member of the Professionalism Committee, the Judicial Relations Committee, and the Young Lawyers Section. You can reach Ben at (561)-650-0644 or [email protected]. LEADING PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE 10% Discount for Bar Members