Though a monumental achievement in the life of those who pass a Bar exam, new lawyers were told that grades and class standing no longer mattered after they were sworn in Wednesday at the Duval County Courthouse.
“Starting today, you really begin your career. So how you conduct yourself with your fellow lawyers, opposing attorneys and judges will determine your reputation,” said Circuit Judge David Wiggins, who presided over the swearing-in ceremony.
“I’ll give you some inside baseball. Lawyers talk about judges. We talk about you,” he said.
Wiggins told the group of about 100 attorneys that they should keep a copy of the oath they took Wednesday in their desks for referral when a question arises with their practice of law.
He also provided them with the “Three P’s” that would help them get along with any judge they appear before.
“Number one, always be punctual and make sure your client, to the best of your abilities, is punctual. Number two, be professional in all hearings with opposing counsel and with the court. Lastly, be prepared,” he said.
“So, if you are on time, act professionally to opposing counsel and the judge and you are prepared, you will never have a problem with any judge you appear before,” said Wiggins.
Florida Coastal School of Law Dean Peter Goplerud also addressed the group.
“From this point on, you have a huge responsibility. You have a responsibility to the profession. You have a responsibility to the people of your community. You have a responsibility to those with whom you are practicing law, to opposing counsel and your clients,” said Goplerud.
“You have an opportunity to help people, to help the community and to be leaders,” said Goplerud.
“Lawyers are traditionally leaders, and leaders come in many different sizes, shapes and forms. Many different types of leadership opportunities are going to jump up in front of you. Take advantage of those,” he said.
The Jacksonville Bar Association President Michael Freed talked about the new courthouse and professionalism in the practice of law.
“If anyone has any doubt why we need a new courthouse or if taxpayer money is being put to good use, I think today puts you into a good position to be a witness to the need for the new courthouse and how much more comfortable it will be for the folks that come and are getting sworn in the next time around,” said Freed.
The ceremony had to be moved from the courthouse to a larger space.
He also offered insight on how to achieve a sense of fulfillment with the profession.
“If you are to be successful as an attorney, if you are to have satisfaction with your chosen profession, if you are, at the risk of sounding sappy, going to find true happiness, you must be driven by more than how much you have and how great you are,” said Freed.
“The practice of law, as you know, is a profession. What does that mean? It means that we, and now you, are a part of something bigger than yourself,” he said.
“You are a steward of a trade, of a way of thinking. A way of doing your job while simultaneously taking care of the system that holds our society together,” said Freed.
“A way of conducting yourself all of the time so that our profession can be held in high esteem, the esteem it deserves.”
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