Date: January 30, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Anne Arundel Community College, 101 College Parkway, CADE Building, Room 219, Arnold, MD 21012
Post-CLE Cocktail Hour: Mother’s Peninsula Grille, 969 Ritchie Hwy, Arnold, MD 21012
Panelists:
Moderator:
Suzanne V. Burnett, Esq. – President, Anne Arundel Bar Association; Partner, Burnett Injury Group
Good evening, everyone and welcome. I am Suzanne Burnett, current President of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association and partner with Burnett Injury Group, an Annapolis personal injury and medical malpractice firm.
Tonight, I have the honor of moderating a distinguished panel for a discussion on a topic that is both fundamental and vital to lawyers: Professionalism and Civility. Our panelists have a wealth of experience, and their insights will undoubtedly shed light on how we, as members of the legal community, can continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in our work and interactions.
The legal profession has long been built on principles of respect, integrity, and fairness, but in today’s fast-paced and often contentious environment, the importance of civility cannot be overstated. From our interactions with colleagues to our dealings with clients, opposing counsel, and the courts, professionalism and civility form the foundation of not only our personal reputations but also the trust the public places in our legal system.
I am sure to many of you, this distinguished panel needs no introduction, but I will take the liberty of getting everyone acquainted.
The Honorable Steven B. Gould – Justice, Supreme Court of Maryland
The Honorable Donna M. Shaeffer – Administrative Judge, Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County
Thomas M. DeGonia II – Maryland Bar Counsel
Richard J. Berwanger, Jr., Esq. – Partner, Frost Law
It is our goal for this session to be conversational and we will have time for Q&A. We have a set agenda of topics we wish to cover but also want to encourage your participation, so please feel free to let us know if you have a question or comment.
Justice Gould – Why is professionalism and civility important for the profession at large from your view from the top – as a Maryland Supreme Court Justice?
Justice Gould – Lessons, tips, or experiences as a young lawyer shaping views on professionalism and civility.
Mentorship example and/or letter from freed slave to master example
Judge Schaeffer – Comments on why civility and professionalism is important at the trial court level.
Judge Schaeffer – Top practice tips (do’s and don’ts) for effective advocacy.
Views from the bench of dos, don’ts, common mistakes, best practices.
Mr. DeGonia – Why professionalism and civility matter from Bar Counsel’s perspective.
Mr. DeGonia – Tips for lawyers to steer clear of Bar Counsel
Mr. Berwanger – From your viewpoint as a practicing attorney – why is professionalism and civility important?
Mr. Berwanger – I referred to Mr. DeGonia as the lawyer we want to steer clear from, but you are the lawyer we hope to not have to hire. Can you share with us some top tips to avoid malpractice/grievances?
Mr. DeGonia/Mr. Berwanger – can you share with us any tips for how to respond to bar counsel should there be a complaint?
Any/all Panelists – Lawyers want to do a good job for their clients and be zealous advocates. What are some ways you have seen lawyers be effective advocates, but not cross the line?
Any/all Panelists – What are ways/examples of how you observed an attorney go too far with “zealous” advocacy?
Any/all Panelists –From your perspective, does the level of professionalism and civility exhibited by attorneys affect the outcome of a case or the efficiency of proceedings? If so, how?
Any/all Panelists –What are some potential dangers or consequences to lawyers who do NOT exhibit professionalism and civility? Any examples?
Any/all Panelists –With the rise of virtual hearings and remote interactions, has technology impacted the way attorneys and parties conduct themselves in terms of professionalism and civility? What advice would you give for maintaining decorum in these virtual settings?
Justice Gould/Judge Schaeffer –Judges are often seen as role models for the legal profession. In what ways do you consciously model civility and professionalism for attorneys and other court participants, especially for younger or less experienced lawyers?
Mr. DeGonia/Mr. Berwanger –How do you distinguish between behavior that is merely unprofessional or uncivil and behavior that rises to the level of misconduct requiring disciplinary action? How does the Commission balance the need for accountability with the understanding that the legal field is inherently adversarial?
Justice Gould –Do you have any grievance cases that stand out in your mind that can be a lesson to us?
Mr. DeGonia –Is there anything we as lawyers should be prepared for in terms of changes to ethical rules?
Judge Schaeffer –I understand you have compiled some quotes to succinctly sum up some of the principles of civility and professionalism. Can you share them with us?
