Civility, Competence, and Professional Responsibility (On-Demand)

Course Description

This course will examine the three aspects of practice that cover not only the basic skills a lawyer must possess to satisfy the requirements of holding a law license and how to apply these skills to receive their benefits, but also how to exercise these skills to the highest and greatest degree to build and preserve your reputation as a lawyer and an honest, reliable person.

Principles

• Civility and Professionalism — Treat clients, colleagues, opposing counsel, courts, and others with respect, courtesy, and professionalism, even in contentious situations.
• Competence and Continuous Improvement — Maintain the fundamental skills required to practice law and continually develop those skills so that legal work is accurate, effective, and of the highest quality.
• Ethical Conduct and Professional Responsibility — Understand and consistently fulfill the ethical obligations associated with holding a law license, including duties to clients, the court, opposing parties, and the profession.
• Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability — Build trust by being truthful, dependable, accountable, and consistent in both legal work and professional relationships. A lawyer’s reputation is shaped by these qualities over time.
• Excellence and Reputation — Go beyond merely meeting minimum professional requirements. Apply legal skills, ethical principles, and professional judgment at a level that strengthens and preserves a lawyer’s reputation for excellence, competence, and trustworthiness.

Syllabus

1. Fundamental skills required for maintaining a law license
2. Practical application of core legal skills in everyday practice
3. Strategies for strengthening professional reputation
4. Ethical conduct and reliability in the legal profession
5. Developing honesty and integrity as foundational professional traits
6. Elevating essential skills to achieve excellence in legal practice