August 2008

Professionalism: Upholding the Honor and Dignity of the Legal Profession

by Chief Justice Gerry L. Alexander

A few years ago, the Washington State Bar Association adopted a Creed of Professionalism and made a significant effort to distribute it to members of the bar. There is a great deal of wisdom in this Creed, and I hope every Washington lawyer has a copy of it close by. Better yet, it should be framed and placed in a prominent place in the lawyer’s office to serve as a constant reminder to all who see it that a lawyer should practice in a way that upholds the honor and dignity of the legal profession.

All nine principles in the Creed are important, but two strike me as transcendent. One is that in any dealings with others, including members of the profession, the lawyer “will be civil and courteous and guided by fundamental tenets of integrity.” The other is that a lawyer’s word is his or her “bond in dealings with the court, with fellow counsel and with others.”

Although these principles may seem like “no-brainers,” they are, unfortunately, not always observed. Indeed, each of us, I’m sure, has witnessed instances where a lawyer has failed to live up to these aspects of the Creed. Would not society as a whole be better served, and the lives of lawyers and clients made more pleasant, if these tenets were strictly followed? In our everyday lives as lawyers and judges, we should seek to encourage adherence to these principles by setting a good example for others to follow. While none of us will ever lead a perfect life, we all know individuals in the legal profession who stand out as icons of professionalism. Let us always strive to emulate these role models and thereby join them in serving as an inspiration to others in the profession.

Gerry L. Alexander is the chief justice of the Washington State Supreme Court.