Professionalism: A Way Rather than a Destination

Attorneys are required to satisfy the legal-ethics standards imposed by the judiciary, with conduct satisfying such standards being described as "ethical" conduct or "professional" conduct. This program explores the difficulties of defining what professionalism truly means in the legal field and discusses which standards are mandatory and which are aspirational. Attendees will examine the difference in standards and enforcement between disciplinary, civil, and professional aspects, and the connection such standards have with legal ethics. Furthermore, attendees will be able to collaboratively discuss the current situation of professionalism in the legal field as well as ideas to further advance and motivate others to exhibit professionalism in the practice of law.

This program is an interactive seminar open to attorneys of all levels and areas interested in learning more about and discussing legal professionalism.

Learning Objectives:

• Define what “professionalism” means in the legal field
• Decide whether “unprofessionalism” is synonymous with “unprofessional conduct"
• Discuss the difference between mandatory legal ethics requirements and aspirational standards
• Differentiate between disciplinary, civil, and professional standards and enforcement in legal-ethics
• Discuss the reasons behind and importance of professionalism
• Discuss ways to motivate others to exhibit professionalism

Course Time Schedule:

Eastern Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Central Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Mountain Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pacific Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Alaska Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hawaii-Aleutian Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM