In today’s deeply polarized political climate, disagreement seems almost inevitable. As I write this, I am brimming with excitement after planning for our Law Day luncheon and speaking with our Law Day speaker Roman Martinez.
At the time of the call, he was taking a break preparing for oral argument in front of the U.S. Supreme Court representing a girl with epilepsy on whether or not she can sue her Minnesota school regarding special accommodations.
After he finishes this oral argument, which will be his 15th, he will be flying to Jacksonville to speak to our association about the Supreme Court’s role in our system of justice, the rule of law and a look behind the scenes of how our nation’s highest court operates.
Martinez has the background for this as, among other accolades, he clerked for Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts and was the lead lawyer who successfully argued reversal of the long-standing Chevron doctrine.
Recently, one of our members contacted me demanding that we uninvite Martinez because his law firm, Latham Watkins, “capitulated to President Trump’s demand for free legal services.”
While many in the legal community are disappointed that several large law firms have entered into pro bono deals with the Executive Branch, after an easy conversation with the Jacksonville Bar Association board, we refused to withdraw an invitation to Martinez.
After all, we really have no idea if Martinez played a role in the deal and, more importantly, we find it beneficial to hear about everyone’s perspective on controversial topics.
This request from the member reminded me of similar requests prior to Mayor Donna Deegan’s speech during a luncheon earlier this year. We responded similarly in that circumstance.
To the contrary, the JBA should be facilitating discussions from all sides. Whether sparked by headlines, legislation or cultural shifts, divisions in perspective have become part of everyday conversation.
Yet, within the legal profession, and especially among the members of the JBA, we are reminded of a timeless and critical principle: Disagreement does not mean disrespect. As lawyers, we are not only advocates for our clients but also stewards of the rule of law — an ideal that thrives not despite differing views, but because of them.
The legal field is no stranger to disagreement. In fact, it is foundational to what we do. The adversarial system rests on the notion that two opposing sides, represented vigorously and fairly, will bring the truth to light and deliver justice.
This professional dynamic teaches us that disagreement is not something to fear or suppress, but to handle with dignity, civility and above all, respect. That spirit of respectful opposition extends beyond the courtroom into our professional associations, and nowhere is that more evident than in the JBA.
Our association is a microcosm of the broader community. It is diverse in background, thought and experience. Among our members are individuals of all political stripes, cultural traditions and legal philosophies.
We engage in spirited debates, offer contrasting perspectives at CLE panels and challenge one another’s thinking. Yet, despite our differences, we share a deeper commonality: a commitment to professionalism, to the betterment of our community and to the law itself.
It is difficult at times to maintain decorum as I personally see the rule of law under attack and feel the desire to speak out about it aggressively. I am grateful for friends on the other side of the aisle who are willing to reasonably discuss the issues.
Admittedly, they do seem few and far between as it is easy to get nasty behind a desk through e-mail or social media.
But, as lawyers, we must try to maintain civility during these times. We owe it to ourselves and to the community at large.
Christian George is managing partner of Akerman’s office in Jacksonville.