by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
Florida Supreme Court Justice Major Harding spoke to members of the Jacksonville Bar Association Thursday at the Hilton on ethics in the courtroom.
“Just as all people of faith are recalled to their place of worship for periods of instruction and recommitment on a regular basis, it is necessary for us, as members of the bar, to be periodically recalled to a recommitment of our selves and what we are called to do,” said Harding.
To crystallize his point, Harding made reference to the Handbook on Professionalism: “The way in which we resolve our disputes defines the character of our profession and we should act accordingly. The dignity and integrity of our profession is an inheritance that must be maintained by each successive generation of lawyers.”
Touching on issues which generate negative impressions of attorneys, Harding expressed the importance of good customer service.
Included in his overview was how long a lawyer took to return a telephone call and his or her diligence in keeping clients informed on their case status. For judges, Harding stressed the vital impact of demonstrating listening skills and handing down prompt rulings.
“Satisfied customers are the best advertisement for the continuation and preservation of this system,” he said.
Dispelling the myth that a client will be pleased only with a favorable verdict, Harding maintained that hard work will be recognized.
“They have done a number of surveys around the country of people who have been involved in the system,” he said. “The survey results indicate resoundingly that people don’t have to be winners in the system to be happy. They’re happy if their issues have been considered fairly and they have a feeling that their cause had been heard.”