Thoughts from the Board

The weather is cooling, days are getting shorter, and we are moving into a time of reflection as we approach Thanksgiving. At the Family Law Institute in August of this year, Chief Justice Boatright presented a fireside chat called, “Where do we go from here?” regarding the professionalism in our legal community. Listening to him, and seeing our Chief Justice tear up over his concerns with our profession, really made me reflect on my practices. Beyond just professionalism, I think we all need to instill grace, kindness, and compassion into our day to day practices. The pandemic has taken its toll on our society’s mental health and wellness. Attorneys have not been spared. Even before the pandemic, the adversarial nature of the practice of law contributes to decreases in attorney wellness and mental health. The issue of professionalism is being discussed in leadership groups across the bar. During last month’s Family Law Section Executive Council meeting, we discussed the issue of granting extensions on deadlines to opposing counsel. Especially during the pandemic, and even after, this issue arises frequently. Sure, we could require opposing counsel to abide by the strict deadlines, but does doing so offer grace, kindness, or compassion? Would granting informal extensions have any effect on the litigation? After all, you never know when you may need a favor from opposing counsel. If we can be civil with each other, it is better for us individually as attorneys and for the profession. As attorneys, we have a duty to zealously represent our clients. In some circumstances, sanctions are warranted; however, most courts are not fond of motions based on gamesmanship and pure technical mistakes. Pursuing zealousness does not mean we cannot treat each other with the same professional courtesy we would want extended to us. A little grace, kindness, and compassion can go a long way in improving your mental health and the mental health of your colleague as well as your reputation of professionalism with the Court and bar. So please, be kind, be courteous, be professional, and above all else, be understanding. — Amanda Peek, Esq