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Conversation, connection may be antidotes for incivility in law

Conversation, connection may be antidotes for incivility in law

Shielded behind computer screens, some people behave in ways that are downright rude — or worse. As the practice of law moved online with the COVID-19 pandemic, those familiar hazards to civility arose in the legal profession as well.
The incivility monster: Why being bad feels good

The incivility monster: Why being bad feels good

Practicing attorneys are acutely aware of the potential consequences of incivility. And yet, incivility persists. Could it be that attorneys are hard-wired to lose their cool? Does it pay to be belligerent? And how do the pandemic and other stressors contribute?
Zealous advocacy and beyond: Leaders share views on civility

Zealous advocacy and beyond: Leaders share views on civility

Terry A. Fox of the Illinois Defense Counsel, Patrick A. Salvi II of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and Stephanie Villinski of the Illinois Commission on Professionalism contemplated our questions on what’s going right — and wrong — with how attorneys act.
Collaborative conversations require a mindful approach

Collaborative conversations require a mindful approach

Contributors Dan Cotter and Pat Eckler reflected on how they behave as media partners — and why civility is the necessary foundation of the conversations about the law they want to convene.

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Law Day Letters

Sharon Hwang

Listening, learning and leading

Founded in 1987, the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms is an organization of 45 law firms committed to working together to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. Through professional development workshops, business development programs, leadership skills training, networking events and educational programs, our member firms tirelessly fight to advance our mission. The Chicago Committee recognizes that civility, respect and professionalism are essential parts of creating an inclusive profession. Moreover, listening to, and learning from our colleagues in the legal community builds trust and understanding.
Timothy S. Tomasik

Civility costs nothing, buys everything

While technology has certainly increased the pace and improved the practice of law, electronic communications have become the No. 1 hotspot for lawyer misbehavior and incivility. This must change. As a mentor taught me, “If you wrestle with a pig, you’ll both get muddy, but the pig will enjoy it.” Dexterity in communicating in interactions with clients, witnesses and the public are skills that lawyers historically developed early in their careers and fine-tuned over the course of their lives.
Rory Weiler

Our special duty to the judiciary

The rule of law is foundational to our constitutional democracy, and an independent judiciary is essential to ensure that the rule of law is respected and endures. I submit to you that, as lawyers, we owe a special duty to the public and the legal system in which we serve to see to it that our judiciary remains independent and our judges remain safe. As lawyers, we need to use our skills as advocates and influencers to explain why the importance of an independent judiciary isn’t lessened or diminished on any situational basis.
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