A PROFILE IN PROFESSIONALISM

PROFESSIONALISM: AN ESSENTIAL ASPECT OF OUR PRACTICE OF LAW

Robin C. Gibbs Partner, Gibbs & Bruns LLP

As licensed practitioners we enjoy myriad benefits afforded those who undertake careers as either counselors or advocates under our unique system of laws. Corollary to this privilege is the responsibility to conduct our practices consistent with the dictates of professionalism—a guiding ideal imprecise in definition but one that our clients both expect and recognize in its presence or absence. Regard for the Rule of Law is subtly reinforced or diminished by the way in which we lawyers, whether acting as interpreters or advocates of its meaning, convey our advice or arguments concerning particular legal issues. Civility and objectivity provide critical foundations to the maintenance of professionalism in the practice of law. During times when we observe increased conflict among the citizenry as to the proper meaning or application of our laws, it is perhaps most appropriate that each of us pause to consider whether we are discharging our responsibilities as lawyers to lead by example and act with civility and objectivity. Creative interpretation by counselors and zealous advocacy by those involved in the judicial process remain laudatory prescriptions. But we lawyers are presumed, as well, to exhibit good judgment in providing our services. That judgment includes adherence to the principles of civility and objectivity in dealings with clients, other lawyers and the wider system of justice. In reaffirming our commitment to these fundamentals underlying professionalism, we ensure that regard for the Rule of Law is passed along to succeeding generations intact and untarnished.