Navigating the legal world and all its customs can be a minefield for young lawyers. A panel of seasoned attorneys and judges discussed the missteps they see in practice and offered advice on the do’s and don’t’s when it comes to court etiquette.
Here are five tips from the seminar:
Protect your reputation
Your reputation is one of your most saleable commodities. Keep your word, be courteous to judges and colleagues and don’t break commitments. A bad reputation can derail a career.
Know how to pivot
Attorneys are constantly jumping between firms or areas of practice. Those who familiarize themselves with a wide swath of focuses and can adapt to change are often more successful.
Watch your temperament
Virtual hearings have transformed the profession, though some attorneys might not appreciate the solemnity of the proceedings through a computer screen. Hearings done virtually have led to more foul language, yelling and interrupting of the court. Remember you are still in a courtroom while appearing virtually.
Know your audience
Judges are there to call balls and strikes. Don’t become visibly upset at a ruling. It also goes a long way to know the judge’s background.
Learn the procedure
Filings and discovery for civil law follows a different process from that in criminal law and other areas. Don’t forget to brush up on the procedure.