Professionalism in the Law: From Entering the Office to Leaving a Courtroom and Beyond (On-Demand)

Course Description

The legal profession is demanding, but professionalism is the touchstone of any attorney’s career. After all, clients and the public at large expect attorneys to be competent, skilled, and professional. But what should professionalism look like in practice? Every person has a unique voice and approach. Nonetheless, attorneys should be conscientious of how others expect them to portray themselves, how they regularly portray themselves, and how they want to portray themselves. At the same time, professionalism looks different depending on the setting. Whether it be at the office, the courtroom, or beyond, an attorney has an expectation and duty to maintain his or her professionalism, thereby enhancing the legal profession, advancing clients’ goals, and fostering a healthy state bar.

Syllabus

1. Overview: Professionalism
   • How others expect you to be portrayed: a reliable advocate and counselor
   • Self-reflection
     • How you portray yourself
     • How you want to portray yourself
2. Why Professionalism Matters
   • Advancing clients’ goals
   • Enhancing the legal profession
   • Fostering a healthy state bar
3. Professionalism in the Office
   • Attorneys
   • Support Staff
   • Appearance
   • Engagement
4. Professionalism in the Courtroom
   • The Court
   • The Court’s staff
   • Opposing counsel
   • The jury
5. Professionalism Outside the Office and Courtroom
   • Civic organizations
   • Daily tasks