Practical, common sense advice toward civility in law practice

Lawyers have bemoaned the lack of civility in the legal profession for some time. Almost 70 percent of lawyers surveyed for "The Pulse of the Legal Profession," a comprehensive ABA study in 2006 surveying the opinions of 800 lawyers, believe that "lawyers have become less civil to each other over time." 

Author Robert D. Kraus explores this widespread frustration and offers some helpful suggestions to address the situation in "Toward Civility in Civil Law," that appears in the May/June issue of Business Law Today. While his article focuses on business lawyers, Kraus’ straight-forward, common sense advice can be applicable to those practicing law of any kind.

1. Be courteous.

2. Return calls and e-mails promptly and as promised, or communicate any delay.

3. Be considerate of other's schedules.

4. Meet deadlines; inform others of any necessity to break the agreed-upon schedule.

5. Use temperate language.

6. Honor promises and agreements, whether on procedural or substantive matters.

7. Avoid making promises and commitments that cannot be kept.

8. Avoid deceptive or misleading practices.

9. Communicate clearly.

By applying even a subset of these principles, lawyers "can elevate their own reputations, enhance their service to their clients, and help the profession as a whole regain a degree of the respect and honor it once attracted, and is still due, from [business] clients as well as the general public," wrote Kraus.

To read the full article "Toward Civility in Civil Law," which includes a detailed description of Kraus' principles of civility, download visit here.

“Toward Civility in Civil Practice” by Robert D. Kraus, published in Business Law Today, Volume 16, No. 5, May/June 2007.  Copyright © 2007 by the American Bar Association. Reprinted with permission.

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