by the JBA Professionalism Committee member Gordon Nicol
Numerous Florida Bar surveys report that the most frequent complaints by lawyers are the lack of professionalism and civility among lawyers.
In response to those complaints, The Florida Bar created a Center for Professionalism in Tallahassee. Additionally, each circuit created its own professionalism committees.
In this part of the state, The Jacksonville Bar Association (JBA) and the Fourth Judicial Circuit both had their own separate professionalism committees. Because of the duplication of resources, the two committees merged a few years ago, under The JBA, which has since taken the lead.
At the last JBA Professionalism Committee meeting, the consensus was to officially rename the subcommittee reviewing professionalism referrals as the Jacksonville Bench and Bar Professionalism Guidance Program.
While both The Florida Bar and The JBA program can provide assistance, there are differences.
The Florida Bar is formal and punitive, while The JBA program is intended to be informal and nonpunitive, without sanctions or discipline. Either an attorney or a judge can ask The JBA for help by completing a quick form describing the specifics. Referrals are then forwarded by The JBA on a rotating basis to members of the Professionalism Committee.
The committee then works to resolve the professionalism referral by a phone consultation or an in-person meeting. The in-person meeting may be informal or formal, depending on the nature of the referral. The professionalism committee may also refer the lawyer, subject to the referral, to a mentorship program and/or for assistance with alcohol, drug, stress management or emotional/ mental health support.
In addition to the professionalism referral program, The JBA Professionalism Committee has hosted “lunch and learn” programs with judges and attorneys. These programs typically provide legal continuing education credits and are open to law students.
The JBA Professionalism Committee also has provided seminars, a diversity symposium, and hosted numerous swearing-in ceremonies for new attorneys. Recent programs to familiarize new attorneys with the Duval County Courthouse were well attended, with 40 new attorneys in November. Other valuable resources include a mentoring program.
The JBA Professionalism Committee also recognizes an attorney each year with a professionalism award. The purpose of the award is to reinforce and communicate the ideals of lawyer professionalism among our members through an annual professionalism award that recognizes attorneys for their professionalism and dedication in practicing law with integrity, honor and civility.
Nominees are required to be members of The JBA, actively engaged in the practice of law, not currently seeking elective office and not a previous recipient of The JBA Professionalism Award. The first award was presented in 2010 to attorney Jake Schickel.
Upcoming programs include a courthouse tour for new attorneys in June. There is a luncheon in May to discuss ethics. A professionalism symposium is scheduled for later this year. Be sure to visit The JBA website for exact times and registrations.
Also, visit The JBA website for the professionalism referral form, or to attend any of the upcoming professionalism meetings or seminars.