by David Chapman
Staff Writer
In an annual tradition, young lawyers and law students took a refresher course in legal professionalism during the recent 5th Annual Gary Pajcic Professionalism Seminar.
The seminar, hosted by the Jacksonville chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, is geared toward younger lawyers and students. Event organizers named the event in honor of the late attorney they say embodied courtroom etiquette and professionalism.
“You’ll find it’s the best seminar you’ll ever go to,” said Hugh Cotney, program chair. “Our job is to reach out to the younger lawyers.”
The afternoon seminar featured a discussion with Cotney on ethics and professionalism for all attorneys and several panel discussions with judges and veteran attorneys who shared courtroom wisdom.
One of the sessions, “A View from the Bench: Ethics and Professionalism from the Judiciary,” included Fourth Judicial Circuit Judges Charles Arnold, Aaron Bowden, Jim Daniel, Henry Davis, Jean Johnson and Virginia Norton, who shared some pet peeves.
“The biggest complaint I have,” said Bowden, “is that lawyers come in and sit there and I’ve never seen them in my life ... then they just start. It’s so easy, so simple to introduce yourself and the reason for being there.”
Johnson agreed, and said it’s difficult to remember the faces of all the new attorneys and suggested that younger lawyers familiarize themselves with courtroom protocol.
When dealing with an attorney who might be displaying an unprofessional attitude, Daniel said quickly calling it to the attorney’s attention usually solves the problem.
Norton relayed instances of when courtroom attire was unacceptable and reminded the attendees to remain professional.
Davis also said it can sometimes be advantageous for attorneys to introduce themselves and get to know judicial assistants to keep the lines of communication open.
He also offered advice that applies to everyone.
“Just get along with people,” he said.
The seminar concluded with attendees viewing a videotaped skit featuring Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge Waddell Wallace and attorneys Tad Griffin of Pajcic & Pajcic and Kristen M. Van der Linde of Boyd & Jenerette.
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