Bar News - February 3, 2006
Professionalism: Lessons From The Year Gone By
By: Carol L. Kunz
The year 2005 became one of the most tumultuous and tragic years in recent memory. Natural disasters, the war in Iraq, corporate scandals, and diminishing trust in our political leaders led many to give a collective sigh of relief on Dec. 31. In spite of our desire to move on, however, a recap of these events (both good and bad) can underscore some of the most basic tenets of the legal profession:
On the positive side:
• Treat your adversaries with respect. Former presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton set aside political rivalries to spearhead tsunami relief efforts. Their leadership and contributions of time along with those of countless others was critical in the aftermath of the disaster.
• Remain creative. With continued innovation, Steve Jobs took a once-struggling Apple Computer to the forefront of the digital music industry. First introduced in 2001, Apple’s iPod had attracted more than 80 percent of the market by the end of 2005.
• Commit to your convictions. Regardless of your position on the Gulf War, Cindy Sheehan’s nearly one-month vigil outside George W. Bush’s Texas ranch demonstrated an unwavering conviction worthy of respect.
A look at the negatives:
• Maintain client confidences: Vice presidential adviser I. Lewis Libby was indicted on charges of false statements, obstruction of justice, and perjury for his alleged role in the CIA leak scandal.
• Observe basic rules of competency. As chairman of FEMA, Michael Brown displayed unforgivable ineptitude and insensitivity in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Similarly, Harriet Miers’ brief, painful tenure as a Supreme Court nominee earned her harsh criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike.
• Consider your audience: Howard Dean’s criticism of the Republican Party may have served him well as a presidential candidate, but his shoot-from-the-hip style could prove too polarizing for potential voters in his role as chair of the Democratic National Committee.
• Remember that clients are people. Advocates on both side of the right-to-die debate appropriated the personal tragedy of Terry Schiavo for political gain. Their effort exposed Ms. Schiavo’s husband and family to relentless public scrutiny, while proffering little meaningful progress on the issue.
• Think before you speak: Comments from Lawrence Summers that women may lack the same innate abilities for math or science as men nearly cost the Harvard University president his job.
• Don’t lie, cheat, or steal. Let former WorldCom CEO Bernie Ebbers’ story be a cautionary tale. Enough said.
Above all else: Keep things in perspective. The brutal assault of Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf region as the most horrific natural disaster in U.S. history. Overseas, Asia suffered a seemingly endless onslaught of earthquakes and mudslides, while the death toll in Iraq continued to rise. Against such overwhelming tragedy, we go on with our lives, making the effort to help and heal.
Here’s to a more peaceful 2006.
Carol L. Kunz is a member of the Professionalism Committee of the New Hampshire Bar and a member at Wiggin & Nourie, P.A. Members of the Professionalism Committee regularly write on issues of professionalism in the legal profession. Remember to sign up for this year’s Professionalism Day CLE, taking place at the Grappone Center in Concord, on the morning of Feb. 10. See page 21 or visit www.nhbar.org for more.
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