MEMBERSHIP
Professionalism Observations from the Bench and Bar
As part of our annual CLE Professionalism program , the Bar hosted two professionalism panels on October 12 , 2022 that allowed members from the bench and the bar to provide impressions of professionalism during COVID-19 and Post-COVID 19 as well as highlight the difference between zealot lawyers and lawyers who advocate zealously . Below is a small recap of the panelists ’ thoughts on professionalism .
• Views from the Bench : A Judicial Discussion on Professionalism
• Moderator : Danielle C . Humphrey ( Hurley Elder Care Law )
• Panelists : The Honorable Sara L . Doyle ( Presiding Judge , Georgia Court of Appeals )
• The Honorable Bedelia C . Hargrove ( DeKalb County Probate Court )
• The Honorable Stephen N . Knights , Jr . ( Henry County State Court )
Our first panel offered attendees some notes on professional decorum displayed in court . Indeed , COVID originally had wide implications on the legal community . All three panelists felt that the COVID-19 pandemic allowed many lawyers to become out of touch with certain nuisances involving courtroom procedures . Clothing in hearings became too relaxed and clients were not prepared to work via Zoom . This in turn made professionalism amongst counsel too relaxed as well . With last minute requests for resets or continuances , scheduling became frustrating and a nightmare for court staff . Also , ex parte communication increased amongst counsel to judges .
The panelists reminded everyone to be concerned about their health and the health of their colleagues . It is important to remember that everyone is being pulled in all directions . A list of noteworthy advice from each panelist is provided below :
Judge Sara Doyle “ There is a life outside of work , find it !” “ We have a duty to pass on good practices . Share the knowledge to future generations .”
Judge Stephen Knights “ Keep it clean and remain professional !” “ Find someone who can mentor you and do your homework .”
Judge Bedelia Hargrove “ Constantly review the Lawyer ’ s Creed and the Rules of Professional Conduct ” “ Remind yourself of the oath you took to the profession !”
Views from the Bar : Professionalism from a Trial Lawyer ’ s Perspective
• Moderator : Christopher D . Balch ( Balch Law Group )
• Panelists : Linley Jones ( The Linley Jones Firm , PC )
• Barbara A . Marschalk ( Drew Eckl & Farnham LLP )
• Madeleine Simmons ( Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys )
The second panel highlighted the differences in zealot lawyers and lawyers who represent their clients zealously . Panelists noted that zealot lawyers tend to think they are always right and are rude . The panelists provided insight on how to handle these types of attorneys and how not to act when engaging with these individuals . The panelists also stressed the importance of creating and maintaining relationships with other attorneys so that difficult encounters become less likely . Each panelist also provided advice to attorneys who find themselves engaged with a difficult lawyer . A list of great advice from some of the panelists is provided below :
“ Strive to resolve any conflicts between the parties .” “ Look the part !” “ There is a professional way to disagree with a Judge .”
On the difference between ethics and professionalism :
• “ Ethics are the red flag laws that any lawyer should follow – a violation of ethics will get you disbarred !”
• “ Professionalism is the way in which a lawyer should strive to be – a violation of professionalism will not get you disbarred but frowned upon !”
PHOTO CREDIT : PIXABAY www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 19