From the Professionalism Committee

FOR THE PAST two years, the NH Bar Association, in conjunction with the various county bars, has sponsored a "Professionalism Day" program throughout all 10 counties. To date, the programs have focused on the concept of professionalism in its various forms: civility, candor, knowledge of the law, etc.

This year, the Professionalism Committee decided to change the format of "Professionalism Day" by sponsoring a two-hour CLE on professionalism at the NHBA Midyear Meeting on Feb. 13. Experienced trial judges and practitioners will present their insights and engage the audience in lively dialogue on two professionalism issues common to the everyday practice of law in New Hampshire. An added component will be a discussion of opportunities for participating in professionalism-related activities. (See page 15 for more details on the Professionalism Day program at the Midyear Meeting.)

As the title of the Feb. 13 program indicates, the Professionalism Committee hopes to "Raise the Bar through Professionalism" by helping all NH attorneys incorporate greater professionalism into their day-to-day practice. Professionalism can be fostered through individual efforts, in small groups, or through your local, county or state bar association. The Professionalism Committee has compiled the following suggested activities and opportunities that can help attorneys strive for the highest level of professionalism.

Professionalism for Individual Attorneys

• Master the Art. Improve your legal knowledge by attending CLE programs.
• Be Prepared. Strive for thorough preparation in all legal transactions.
• Be Practical. Practice appropriate case management.
• Prove Your Word is Good. Demonstrate integrity and ethical conduct every day, in every way.
• Be Civil. Show politeness, courtesy and graciousness in dealing with other attorneys, pro se litigants and court personnel.
• Be a Friend. Mentor other attorneys.
• Be Resourceful. Make meaningful referrals to other attorneys.
• Participate in Community Service. Do your part for nonprofit organizations.
• Bury the Hatchet. Take your adversary to lunch.

Professionalism Through Small Groups

• Home Cooking. Provide support and mentoring to your firm’s attorneys and staff.
• Improve Your "Right-Hand Person." Support and encourage paralegal education.
• Help Your Colleagues. Refer troubled colleagues to lawyers’ assistance programs.
• Join Up. Join the Inns of Court or similar professional groups.
• Summer Help. Promote the use of summer interns.
• Play to Make Friends. Golf or softball can expand your network of legal professionals.
• Support Your Hometown. Sponsor local nonprofit groups and activities.

Professionalism Through Local, County or State Bar Associations

• Improve Your Skills. Participate in an NHBA Section.
• Work by Committee. Join an NHBA Committee.
• Share Your Knowledge. Serve as a CLE panelist.
• Get Some New Clients. Join the Bar’s Lawyer Referral Program.
• Do Your Part. Become a Pro Bono Panel member.
• Teach Tomorrow’s Lawyers. Participate in one of the Bar’s Law-Related Education programs.
• Have a Little Fun. Attend the social activities sponsored by your bar associations.
• Become a "Head Honcho." Assume a leadership role in your local, county or state bar association.
• Acknowledge Others’ Good Work. Nominate your colleagues for awards recognizing deserving attorneys.
• Raise the Bar. Participate in Professionalism Day activities.

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