Raising the Bar in the Legal Profession 

By Kari L. Stephens, Esq.

Many of you may not be aware that the CCBA has a new entrance. Instead of entering through the front door of the building, our new south-facing entrance is located just adjacent to our parking lot. But, it is really not important how you enter the CCBA, it is what you choose to do beyond those doors that makes the difference. The CCBA offers several platforms for members to get involved in their local legal community. We call upon our members to attend a variety of bar events and to get active in one or more bar committees. The CCBA is also committed to the goal of promoting the professionalism of legal professionals in the community at large.

Professionalism and civility
Approximately 20 years ago, the CCBA adopted a version of the Lawyer’s Pledge of Professionalism (PDF), which was reprinted in the April 2013 issue of the bar journal, Communiqué (p. 6). I invite members to renew and incorporate these ideals in their practice by integrating professionalism and civility in the way they conduct themselves in and out of the courtroom. Some general guidelines for doing so include establishing clear office policies that embrace professional and civil conduct in the workplace, serving as a role model for less experienced attorneys whenever possible, and striving always to be professional and civil in dealings with opposing counsel.

Professionalism and civility are part and parcel to successfully advancing a client’s interest in an adversarial setting. As such, I encourage attorneys to maintain their composure with opposing counsel in all facets of a case. To avoid misunderstandings, follow up your conversations in writing or have another person sit in on a conversation. It is generally preferable for all concerned to make genuine attempts to negotiate a resolution to a controversy prior to commencing litigation. When litigation is necessary, stick to the facts and applicable law in your pleadings. Lastly, consider extending reasonable courtesies that may be requested by the other side whenever practicable.

Volunteers needed!
The upcoming Boyd Law School events provides a great opportunity for members to demonstrate professionalism to law students, as well as to promote the development of their professionalism skills. The New Lawyer’s Committee is currently recruiting volunteers to judge the following competitions:

1. In-House Negotiation Competition , April 12, 2013. To volunteer, contact New Lawyers Committee Co-Chair This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at 702-853-0759.
   
2. Moot Court Competition , April 26 to 27, 2013. To volunteer, contact New Lawyer Committee Co-Chair This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at 702-868-8000.

Kari Stephens is Of Counsel with Jeffrey Burr, Ltd., where she practices primarily in the areas of probate and trust. She serves as president of the Clark County Bar Association through December 2013.