We have all heard the lawyer jokes: “Q: What do you call a smiling, kind, courteous person at a bar association convention? A: The event planner.” Ethical guidelines, lawyer oaths, and the public at times seem to view civility and zealous advocacy as incompatible values. In an increasingly polarized and contentious democracy, lawyers are hardly alone in their struggle to balance zealously advocating a position with engaging in disagreement in a civil and professional manner. As educators guiding future lawyers as they begin developing their professional identities, how can we best prepare students to be zealous but civil advocates?
Business meeting at program conclusion.