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We met in my conference room. Before addressing the substance of the dispute I made a simple proposition. “For some reason we have let this case evolve into a personal conflict between we attorneys. How about we reset our relationship and start fresh.” Surprisingly, he agreed. We shared details of our backgrounds and our families. I learned he went to the same private college as one of my partners. The mood shifted. We then addressed the discovery dispute and resolved it in short order. During the remaining course of the litigation the animosity melted away. We cooperated on a Pretrial Order, including stipulations. He represented his client aggressively, yet professionally. Gone were the personal accusations. After almost five years the case went to jury trial. In a case I thought was a slam dunk I must admit my opponent put on a good defense. In the end my client prevailed receiving a Plaintiff’s verdict. As we were packing up I was approached by counsel. He congratulated me on the verdict, a very professional gesture. Since the verdict we have dealt with post-trial issues, always in a congenial manner. At the final hearing, one concerning attorney fees and costs, the judge remarked how much she appreciated having two such civil and professional attorneys appear in her court. I wondered if she remembered the prior animosity. Perhaps we had originally misjudged each other. It was a fine ending to a long and at times frustrating case.

Richard D. White, Jr. is a graduate of the University of Tulsa School of Law. He is the current Professionalism Chair of the Tulsa County Bar Association and a shareholder in the firm of Barber & Bartz, P.C. He has served as a member of the TCBA Board of Directors and the TCBA Executive Committee in the offices of Secretary, Treasurer and Budget Chair.