Why can't we all just get along?

Hooray for the San Diego (California) Bar Association!!!

As reported in the Los Angeles Daily Journal Newspaper on February 4, 2008, the San Diego Bar wants lawyers to act "nicer" to each other - - and to the Judges, as well.

That Bar Association launched a campaign to promote better behavior in the Courtroom, because they note that society in general has become less civil. The author of that article, Pat Broderick, states that the legal market place is becoming increasingly competitive and media images of warrior lawyers are stoking copycat rudeness in the profession.

ANY LAWYER, WHO STICKS THEIR HEAD OUT FROM UNDER THEIR PILLOW IN THE MORNING, CAN TELL YOU AS MUCH.

Broderick states that there has been a general sense, for a number of years, particularly in civil discovery, that there has been an increase in game playing.

The San Diego Bar has "tweaked" its code of conduct for the first time in twenty years.  And then, to go a step further, that bar showed its members a video of what really is civility and professionalism, and how it plays out in real life.

It was noted that when one lawyer refuses to extend a courtesy to another lawyer, that refusal can lead to the opposing lawyer to refuse reciprocal courtesies, which creates a heated adversarial climate that continues to spiral.

Kenneth So, Presiding Judge of the San Diego County Superior Court, stated, "As a general observation, lawyers many not be as civil today as they were 25 years ago."  That's no surprise to those of us mature lawyers who practice in major cities.

We all would prefer trying a case against a lawyer who is a consummate professional, rather than deal with a jerk who is lacking in civility.

Several of the causes may be that the legal profession has become much more competitive over the years, and there are a great deal more lawyers.  Also, judicial reality television and legal dramas may be negatively influencing both lawyers' behavior and what clients expect of their counsel.

But, in the end, it is up to each of us to establish the proper civil atmosphere both in and out of court. And, in court, for the Judges to create and enforce an atmosphere that will foster pride and respect in and for our profession.