| Philadelphia
Bar Association Working Rules of Professionalism |
PROFESSIONALISM:
Together, we can make a difference!
Prepared by
Philadelphia Bar Association
Committee on Professionalism
Steven A. Arbittier, Chair
David P. Bruton Robert M. Landis
James J. Donohue George H. Newman
Wendy Fleishman Roslyn Gould Pollack
Hon. John W. Herron Henry Falkner Reichner
Mayer Horwitz Bernard W. Smalley
WHEREAS, since colonial times, Philadelphia lawyers have practiced their craft in an atmosphere of mutual respect and professionalism;
WHEREAS, in recent years this tradition has deteriorated, and we have witnessed an increasing emphasis on law as a business in which winning is everything and overly aggressive, discourteous conduct is viewed as just another weapon in the arsenal of the advocate;
WHEREAS, this trend diminishes our profession, robs us of our pride in being Philadelphia lawyers, and takes much of the joy out of the practice of law;
WHEREAS, although recognizing that professional values cannot be imposed by fiat and that the standards of professionalism that have long sustained our profession have largely been unwritten, the Philadelphia Bar Association nonetheless believes that a restatement of certain basic values will serve as a reminder to all of us, will help sensitize new members of our profession to the importance of these values, and will have a salutory effect on the practice of law in general;
NOW THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved that the Philadelphia Bar Association promulgates the following Working Rules of Professionalism:
Working Rules of
Professionalism
Adopted by the Philadelphia Bar Association
Treat with civility opposing counsel, lawyers, and their staffs, witnesses, and the courts and court officers. Professional courtesy is a virtue, not a shortcoming. It is entirely compatible with vigorous advocacy and zealous representation.
Keep the lines of communication open. Telephone calls and correspondence should be answered promptly even if the answer is a simple acknowledgment with a promise to respond substantively later.
Be mindful of the schedules of others as you are your own. Seek agreement in advance for the scheduling of meetings, depositions, hearings, and trials. Do not purposely wait until Friday afternoon to make hand deliveries and send telefaxes. Absent exigent circumstances, a reasonable request for a scheduling accommodation should be granted.
Be punctual in honoring scheduled appearances. Lateness is demeaning to others and to our profession.
If your adversary is entitled to something, provide it without unnecessary formalities. Discovery disputes and motion practice cost time and money. They should be a last resort.
Grant reasonable extensions of time when they will not adversely affect your client’s interests. Explain to your client that the consequences of refusing a reasonable extension may be the filing of dilatory objections or motions and the creation of a hostile atmosphere in which your reasonable requests will also be refused. Ultimately the hostility will escalate and so will the cost of legal services.
Attempt to reconcile differences through negotiation, expeditiously and without needless expense. Taking the initiative to settle a case or resolve a dispute is not a sign of weakness and should not be viewed as such.
Adopted June 28, 1990. All Philadelphia lawyers are encouraged
to abide by these guidelines.
The quality of the profession will be as worthy as the character
of the people who practice it. Self-esteem and shared respect for
each other will ultimately be reflected in responsible
professional conduct. The lawyers and law firms of our city are
urged to subscribe to and actively promote these values so that
the high standards of professionalism that have so long enhanced
our professional lives will be preserved and passed on to future
generations of Philadelphia lawyers.