
20 Professionalism Tips for Millennial Attorneys—2Civility
Article by Michelle Silverthorn in the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism’s publication of 2Civility seeks to promote a culture of civility and inclusion, in which Illinois lawyers and judges embody the ideals of the legal profession in service to the administration of justice in our democratic society. (January 2015)
Also consider registering for 2Civility blog and news from the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. It is a great resource for publications dealing with a range of issues from professionalism to justice to future law and more!
ABA Journal September-October 2019
I Pledge to be Civil: Lawyer speech triggers both civility and constitutional concerns
A Renewed & Much-Needed Conversation on Civility—Michigan Bar Journal
In the Michigan Bar Journal, President Jennifer Grieco calls for members of the Michigan legal community “[t]o be an example for society on civil discourse” by modeling that behavior in their professions. (December 2018)
Bullies on the Bench—Louisiana Law Review
A law review article by Douglas R. Richmond that examines the increasing awareness by courts and judicial commissions of judges who “bully” participants in their courtrooms. The article acknowledges the harm this can bring to the judiciary system as a whole as well as the individuals who work and participate within it. (Winter 2012)
Civility as the Core of Professionalism—Jayne R. Reardon
Civil behavior is a core element of attorney professionalism. As the guardians of the Rule of Law that defines the American social and political fabric, lawyers should embody civility in all they do. Not only do lawyers serve as representatives of their clients, they serve as officers of the legal system and public citizens having special responsibility for the quality of justice.
Civility Reboot: Can Lawyers Learn to be Nicer to One Another?—ABA Journal
Heidi K. Brown examines the decline in civility in the legal profession due to outside pressures and the rise of technology. She calls for attorneys to promote civility in society. (October 2018)
Civility, the Rule of Law, & Lawyers: The ‘Glue’ That Binds Society Against Social Crisis—Sigurdson Post
“Public discourse and civility lies at the heart of our democracy and our legal profession . . . Unfortunately, there appears to be less civility in society generally today, less courtesy, fewer manners. In the political arena and in public discourse, the rhetoric is harsher and the decibels are higher, and they too frequently overshadow the substance of debates.”
—Eric Sigurdson (November 2016)
For Want of Professionalism—Oakland County Bar Association
In the Oakland County Bar Association President’s Page Gerald J. Gleeson II discusses his thoughts on civility and professionalism in light of his experience working as an attorney. (January 2018)
Goals for Us All: Promoting Civility & Protecting Justice—ABA Journal
In his President’s Message, Bob Carlson writes “the American Bar Association will renew its efforts to work with policymakers to achieve goals important to the legal profession” and discusses how the ABA will achieve those goals. (January 2019)
Is it Time for a Model Organizational Ombuds Act?—Roy Baroff & John Lee
An ombuds is an independent, confidential, informal, and impartial individual who works towards the resolution of particular problems within an entity or with the functioning of an entity. This article discusses the implementation of a Model Organizational Ombuds Act to further define, professionalize, and support ombud practices, services, benefits, and roles with the authority of legislative statute.
Let History Repeat Itself: Humility—Grand Rapids Lawyer
The third in a series of articles, William Azkoul considers the perennial topics of civility and collegiality that have defined the Grand Rapids legal community for generations. (September-October 2016)
The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change—A Report of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being
This report’s recommendations focus on five central themes: (1) identifying stakeholders and the role each of us can play in reducing the level of toxicity in our profession, (2) eliminating the stigma associated with help seeking behaviors, (3) emphasizing that well-being is an indispensable part of a lawyer’s duty of competence, (4) educating lawyers, judges, and law students on lawyer well-being issues, and (5) taking small, incremental steps to change how law is practiced and how lawyers are regulated to instill greater well-being in the profession. (August 2017)
Reflections on Civility: A View from the Bench—BarBeat by Genesee County Bar Association
Sandra Carlson, president of the Centennial Chapter American Inn of Court, summarizes the observations and advice of retiring and long-tenured members of the bench in this insightful article. (p. 10, November/December 2018)
Reps. Stivers, Beatty Announce Creation of the Congressional Civility & Respect Caucus
The Caucus will encourage all members of Congress to act with civility and respect in their political discourse in their congressional districts and in Washington. (January 2018)
Winning Isn’t Everything—Oakland County Bar Association
In the Oakland County Bar Association’s President’s Page, Gerald J. Gleeson II cites Justice John Roberts and discusses the character-building attributes of facing adversity. (November/December 2018)
Your ABA September 2019
Panel offers remedies to growing incivility, “Game of Thrones” attitude in justice system