Now that I have your attention: A large number of Bar members have never attended the NH Bar Association’s annual Professionalism Day activities. Others may have attended once or twice, but not on a consistent basis.

I’m here to tell such people: You’re making a big mistake.

Every year, Professionalism Day is a terrific experience for virtually everyone who attends. It energizes us, reminding us of why we went to law school in the first place. It enables us to catch up with old friends and to meet new colleagues in the Bar; this adds a personal dimension to the practice of law. And it is harder to act like the proverbial "jerk" toward a real person whom you know, as distinguished from the theoretical, amorphous, unknown "opponent."

Perhaps most importantly, Professionalism Day reminds us that we should honor the values encompassed by professionalism – including civility, honesty, high quality work, and public service – and that we should demonstrate these values in our daily actions.

I’ve been told that many new lawyers (or those new to NH) don’t attend Bar Association events like Professionalism Day because they believe the urban (?) myth that there is an "old boys’ network" or "old girls’ network" that sticks together and is closed to any new people. On the contrary. It is true that the "old boys and old girls" usually attend Professionalism Day every year. But for the most part, they are open and welcoming to all colleagues in our profession.

One of the three vignettes we chose for Professionalism Day raises this issue – as well as gender issues – for discussion. Come and share your viewpoint on these and other issues. Let’s have the conversation.

I’ve also heard newer lawyers say that they don’t see anything in the Bar Association that’s relevant to them and their lives. At Bar meetings, they say, the Bar elders just wax nostalgic about "the old days" when the Bar was small – much less than 1,000 members – when everyone knew each other, and when many were social friends. I don’t think that such reminiscing is necessarily a bad thing. It’s not that people have their heads stuck in the past.

And that is exactly what Professionalism Day is all about. It raises our consciousness about what we have in common rather than about our differences. It helps each of us attribute value to being a part of our profession, working respectfully with colleagues, rather than acting and working as if we were the only person who matters.

The Bar Association’s goal for those who attend Professionalism Day is that everyone will leave feeling energized and uplifted, more in touch with the principles of professionalism, and more committed to putting those principles into action in our daily work.

That is why we encourage every member of the Bar to attend Professionalism Day (contrary to my facetious headline up above). You’ll enjoy the experience, you’ll get to know your colleagues a bit better in a non-adversarial setting, and you’ll learn one or two new things to think about as you return to your practice.

So mark your calendars for Feb. 20, and do come to Professionalism Day this year. Try it; you’ll like it. And maybe you’ll become a regular attendee too.