Professionalism in the Practice of Law: A Lecture by Judge James L. Graham
By Laurin JM Wisnor, 1L

October 17, 2007

October 10, the Honorable James L. Graham, Senior Judge, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, discussed professionalism in the practice of law to a packed house of about 130 students, faculty, and members of the Columbus Bar Association. The event was sponsored by the Columbus Bar Association and was a joint meeting of the Professionalism and Federal Courts committees.

Judge Graham addressed what it means to be a professional lawyer. According to Judge Graham, professionalism for lawyers is more than following ethical guidelines, it is a way of life. As a lawyer, you are held to a higher standard — both in and out of the courthouse; therefore, you need to conduct yourself in ways that are always beyond reproach. In his view, you can do this by committing to live your life within the four pillars of professionalism: character, competency, civility, and service. By deciding early in your career to embrace the pillars

and make them the essence of how you conduct yourself, you will be well poised for a successful and meaningful career in the law.

For students, it is especially important to understand and commit to the pillars while you are still in law school. “Decide now how you will deal with an ethical dilemma, so that you do not succumb to the temptation later,” advised the Judge. He also emphasized that it is important to begin professional development as early as possible, recommending that law students find a mentor, set goals, and complete a legal externship.

Judge Graham strongly encouraged students to observe actual cases. “You have an open invitation to visit my courtroom to see how the law works in the real world,” he said.

The CBA Professionalism Committee has held a meeting every year at Capital for at least 10 years and for the past two years has made this a joint meeting with the Federal Courts Committee. This annual event offers a great opportunity for students to network with attorneys and judges and to hear from an expert on the importance of professionalism in the practice of law.

 
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