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Oregon Bench and Bar Commission on Professionalism – Resources

Resources – Orders

Oregon Bench and Bar Commission on Professionalism Order 15-003

Resources – Articles

The following articles introduce and expound upon a variety of professionalism concepts, and provide guidance on promoting the ideals of professionalism within specific areas of law.

OSB Bulletin - May 2014
On Professionalism – Grace Under Pressure: Professionalism Called for in Criminal Law
By Jeff Howes and John Connors
This article covers concerns about unprofessional behavior of criminal law attorneys in Oregon from an unscientific poll of judges, including: personal attacks by opposing counsel; lack of preparation; punctuality; and social-media use.
OSB Bulletin - December 2013
On Professionalism – Professionalism and the Rules: When Bad Behavior Crosses the Line
By Scott Morrill
This article distinguishes between civility and unprofessionalism by acknowledging that the RPCs do not give the OSB general authority to discipline rude or discourteous attorneys, yet highlighting the RPCs that do control some unprofessional conduct.
OSB Bulletin - November 2013
On Professionalism – Professionalism in Mediation: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
By Richard G. Spier
This article focuses on eleven unprofessional lapses lawyers make before and during mediation.
OSB Bulletin - July 2013
On Professionalism – The Authentic Self: Moral Dissonance and the Practice of Law
By Don Lundberg
This article focuses on reconciling an attorney's personal moral values with the sometimes conflicting requirements of an attorney's job.
OSB Bulletin - May 2013
On Professionalism – Tips for Fostering Civility in Business Transactions
By Richard A. Canaday
This article provides practical advice on better serving business clients through a professional approach.
OSB Bulletin - February/March 2013
Is Some Behavior Ethical But Improper? – The Intersection of Professionalism and the Disciplinary Process
By Arden J. Olson
This article argues that a meaningful discussion about professionalism should start with clarifying the distinction between professionalism and ethics.
OSB Bulletin - December 2011
On Professionalism – Professional Goldfish: Yearning for a Higher Standard
By Rachael Federico
This second-year law student explains that law students are looking to practicing attorneys to be their guides and professional role models even before graduation from law school.
OSB Bulletin - May 2010
Judges and Lawyers in Partnership: The Practical Rationale for Professionalism
By Hon. John V. Acosta and Richard J. Vangelisti
This article explores the rationale for professionalism as well as when and how to bring issues of unprofessional conduct to the attention of the court.
OSB Bulletin - May 2010
Professionalism: A Judge's Perspective
By Hon. John V. Acosta
This article explains the authority of a court to address issues of professionalism as well as when and how the court should respond.
Multnomah Lawyer - June 2009
Remarks by MBA Professionalism Award Recipient
Judy Danelle Snyder
This professionalism award recipient urges members of the bar to reaffirm their commitment to the highest standards of professionalism. See page 9 of this link.
OSB Bulletin – May 2005
Why be Professional?
By Ira Zarov
This article explores the critical questions of what are the circumstances that foster unprofessional behavior and why be professional.
OSB Bulletin – April 2005
Professionalism: Why we should care
By Nena Cook
This message from former OSB President Nena Cook explains to graduating law students that the legacy each lawyer leaves behind is measured by one thing—our professionalism
OSB Bulletin – August/September 2007
Professionalism for Litigation and Courtroom Practice
By Hon. Daniel L. Harris and Hon. John V. Acosta
This article provides daily practices that not only will improve the quality of a lawyer's professional life, but will also make a lawyer a more effective advocate for the client.
OSB Bulletin – October 2008
Shooting Ourselves in the Foot
Avoiding Personal Attacks
By Richard C. Baldwin
This article describes how personal attacks on opposing counsel in trial diminish a lawyer's own effectiveness and demean our judicial system in the eyes of the public.
OSB Bulletin – May 2008
The Unprofessionalism Challenge
Professional strategies for dealing with others' conduct
By Richard J. Vangelisti
This article provides some concrete steps a lawyer may take when faced with unprofessionalism by another lawyer.
OSB Bulletin – April 2002
Is Winning Everything?
'Professionalism' doesn't have to mean 'doormat'
By Peter M. Appleton
This author describes "hard ball" litigation and provides some general strategies that lawyers, bar associations and the judiciary can use to promote professionalism.
OSB Bulletin – August/September 2003
Best Practices: Defining, and promoting, professionalism
By Cliff Collins
This article describes the establishment and active role of the OSB Joint Bench/Bar Commission on Professionalism.
OSB Bulletin – August/September 2001
Aiming at Nothing, and Seldom Missing
By Alan G. Greer
This author argues that lawyers should strive for self respect and that public good from our work will follow.
OSB Bulletin – January 1999
Special Issue on Professionalism
The entire issue PDF is available here, separate articles are individually linked below.