Law and Professionalism

Mary Hahn Fetter, daughter of the
late Ward Hendon, accepts the
2014 Professionalism Award
on behalf of her dad.

Written by Attorney Mae Creadick
We’ve all heard dozens of lawyer jokes. For example, “How do you tell when a lawyer is lying? His lips are moving.” Each time I cringe and wonder if we will ever change this public misperception of lawyers. Today at the annual meeting of the 28th Judicial District Bar (JDB), the late Ward Hendon was awarded the Professionalism Award. Mr. Hendon was a lawyer who helped to change the perception that lawyers are the bad guys. I was happy to see this award go to Mr. Hendon and was moved to see his daughter accept the award on his behalf. As an attorney practicing for 12 years with the 28th JDB, I have been exposed to so many wonderful mentors and examples such as Mr. Hendon. Here are some basic professionalism lessons learned over the years:

1. Be courteous to your opponent, witnesses, the court and court staff. 
2. Follow the rules of court and law.
3. Do not criticize other professionals behind their backs. 
4. Be respectful of all individuals regardless of their differences or backgrounds.
5. Do not gloat or talk about yourself. If you win a trial, shake hands with your opponent and compliment his or her efforts. If you lose, do the same thing. 
6. When dealing with serious matters, do not lose your temper. Rather, use a lighter tone of voice and speak slowly and seriously.
7. Be prepared. 
8. Be concise. Do not speak too much, especially when others deserve their turn. Do not interrupt.
9. Make compelling arguments for your client’s case, but don’t judge those who do not believe as you do.
10. Donate your time, your skills and your money to those who are less fortunate.
11. Remember we are human. We need food, sleep, exercise, time with family, and time away from the office. This balance will make us better attorneys.
12. Be honest and ethical. 
13. Do not make promises to your client that you cannot keep.
14. Do not bully; stand up to those who bully others. 
15. Lead by example.
16. Use mediation to help resolve disputes. When appropriate, be flexible and encourage your client to be flexible. 
17. Be patient and persistent. Justice sometimes moves slower than molasses. 

Mae Creadick

In my time working with The Hart Law Group, I have come to know and appreciate that all of the lawyers at the Hart Law Group, strive to meet these standards. At events like the 28th JDB meeting recognizing Ward Hendon for his career of professionalism, we are reminded to honor those of us who stand out from the crowd. At the Hart Law Group, our professionalism helps us maintain our good reputation within the 28th JDB and our community, which in turn makes us better advocates for our clients. Moreover, these values help us to give lawyers a good name. My goal is that one day – hopefully in my lifetime – people will believe that most lawyers are good, honest people who help clients navigate a complicated court system and major life events while maintaining a high level of professionalism.