A Profile in profess ionalism

A Profile in pr o essionalism

The Hon. Alice Oliver-Parrott Mediator-Arbitrator Former Chief Justice, First Court of Appeals Former Judge, 151st District Court

“True we (lawyers) build no bridges. We raise no towers. We construct no engines. We paint no pictures—unless as amateurs for our own principal amusement. There is little of all that we do that the eye of man can see. But we smooth out difficulties; we relieve stress; we correct mistakes; we take up other men’s burdens and by our own efforts we make possible the peaceful life of men in a peaceful state.” —John W. Davis M y favorite lawyer quote may be no more relevant than it is today. I was honored with the task of writing a short profile in professionalism just before our lives changed with the onset of COVID-19 or Coronavirus. I scrapped my initial words in favor of this. I no longer want to write about me, I want to write about you.

I have practiced law over 45 years, and this last few weeks has been the most challenging time. It is also the best time. We are all together…a brotherhood/sisterhood of lawyers who only want the best for each other and our clients. My mediations are now on video conferencing or the oldfashioned and never failing telephone. My arbitrations are using video for hearings, depositions, and conferences. I had a hearing on the very morning that I write this, and I was so overwhelmed with admiration and love, yes, love for the lawyers. They were collegial and kind and flexible. We talked of how we would get the depositions needed, the medical exam, and document discovery when businesses are closed, restrictions imposed and employees disbursed. The tone was friendly, kind, understanding, and yet each of the lawyers was an advocate for the needs of his client.

Yes, you cannot see what we build, but we build every single day. We are the stewards of the rules and servants to our vital and living Constitution. The manner in which we treat each other, the way we perform our mission defines us. I have observed lawyers for many years and never have I been more proud to be one. Brothers and sisters in law, stay strong and stay true to our mission, continue to take up the burdens of others, and in the end, the structures we build will far outlive any of those made of stone or steel.