Law Day 2022 Announced

VP'S CORNER

Mike Esmond

TCBA Vice President 2021-2022

Professionalism

For many of us, turning the calendar to a new year means resolving to make life changes or setting goals for selfimprovement. As I sit here writing this note days after the “deadline,” an obvious resolution for me is to procrastinate less. And since the theme for this issue is professionalism, it’s also a good opportunity to review the OBAStandards ofProfessionalismandresolvetocontinue practicing and promoting those standards.

Professionalism requires more than merely avoiding the violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The Standards of Professionalism represent the level of behavior we expect from each other and the public expects from us. Among other things, they require that our conduct be honest, professional and civil. They require us to practice common courtesy like promptly returning telephone calls and responding to correspondence. They recognize that antagonistic and obstructive conduct impair effective representation. Instead of being disagreeable, we are encouraged to always look for opportunities to deescalate a controversy and bring parties together.

The TCBA Professionalism Committee, chaired by Rick White, exists to encourage conformity with the Standards of Professionalism by making them a topof-mind priority. Rick not only embodies professionalism in his practice, he shares his experience and wisdom through regular presentations at TCBA board meetings and publication of articles in Tulsa Lawyer. One of Rick’s predecessors as chairman of the Committee, Fred Slicker, was likewise a widely-recognized model of professionalism. I had the privilege of working with Fred as a member of the TCBA Grievance Committee (back when TCBA investigated bar complaints involving Tulsa attorneys). Fred was a prolific writer on the topic of professionalism. Among his many valuable insights, Fred once wrote that “[t]hecorevaluesofhonestyandintegrity should not be sacrificed on the altar of winning at all costs.” This expression of honesty and integrity as foundational elements of professionalism has stuck with me throughout my career. As competition in the marketplace for legal services increases, the pressure to win is high. But winning by using dilatory, dishonest, or abusive tactics is never worth the price.

As we embark on a new year, let us all resolve to adhere to the high standard of conduct established in the Standards of Professionalism which clients, attorneys, the judiciary and the public will admire and respect.

"...recognize that antagonistic and obstructive conduct impair effective representation."