Justices Offer New Students Advice About Civility in Legal Profession

Associate Dean for Admission William Powers (left) welcomed Illinois Supreme Court Justice Charles Freeman (center) and Mary Robinson of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission to John Marshall for the special program on professionalism.

Dean Patricia Mell and Professor Ronald Smith (right) welcomed alumnus Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Fitzgerald (left) to the law school. Justice Fitzgerald addressed students during an evening session on civility and professionalism.

Two John Marshall alumni who now sit on the Illinois Supreme Court reminded 1Ls that one of the important lessons of law school will be to learn respect for each other and the law through civility and professionalism.

A brief presentation, and recitation of an Oath of Professionalism for all incoming law students, was initiated by the Special Court Committee on Professionalism. Supreme Court Justices Charles Freeman (J.D. '62) and Thomas Fitzgerald (J.D. `68), and the other Supreme Court justices spoke at law school orientation sessions across Illinois. The program was designed to bring the concerns of proper courtroom etiquette and professional respect to first-year law students so that the message will resonate with them throughout law school and their professional careers.

Justice Charles Freeman told students in the Aug. 20 session that they were accepted into law school because John Marshall believed they had the seed of professionalism, including the acceptable norms of courtesy, integrity and honor. Those virtues should always be part of a lawyer's demeanor.

"Professional conduct shouldn't be the bottom of the threshold," he said. He urged the future lawyers to "lift your profession in the eyes of the public. The public's view of the judicial system is based on lawyers."

As he urged the class to stand and take the oath, Freeman reminded the students that "your reputation starts here."

Justice Fitzgerald welcomed students at the Aug. 21 evening session as colleagues, saying, "I have a reverence for this profession and for those who share it. In a very real sense, and at this very moment, that includes you. When you walked into this room and sat in these chairs, you became a part of our profession."

This is the first time a professionalism program has been offered. According to a spokesman for the Supreme Court of Illinois, the idea stems from a belief among the justices that one of the most effective ways of improving professionalism among lawyers is to begin at the earliest steps with new lawyers.

The day when an attorney's word was his bond should still be the rule rather than the exception, according to Justice Robert R. Thomas, who initiated the idea of the committee on professionalism.

"In this day and age with competition in the profession for dollars and clients, activities sometimes degenerate into a Rambo-style, win-at-all-costs attitude by attorneys. That's what we're trying to correct with this committee. The first step is...reaching law students at the earliest stage."

Oath of Professionalism

Hands raised, a group of incoming students at John Marshall repeats the Oath of Professionalism.

As I begin the study of law, I acknowledge and accept the privileges and responsibilities inherent in my becoming a lawyer, and the high standards and ideals that accompany such an undertaking.

Accordingly, I pledge that I will at all times conduct myself with the dignity befitting an advocate and counselor in a learned profession.

I commit myself to service without prejudice, integrity without compromise, and the diligent performance of my duties with the utmost good faith.

I acknowledge that I will be a zealous advocate, but will act with courtesy and cooperation toward others, and I will at all times behave in a professional manner.

I will remember that my responsibilities to the legal profession permeate my actions both as a student of the law and, therefore, as a member of the bar.

I accept my new status as a professional, and will approach my colleagues and adversaries alike with the same integrity, professionalism and civility, which I expect from them.

This pledge I take freely and upon my honor.

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Faculty Activity and Publications

Professor Craig Peterson

Publications

His latest article, co-authored with Claire McCarthy, "Hotel Development of Cultural Tourism Elements", was published in the multi-language Tourism Review, a peer reviewed journal of the International Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism. The other professors represented in the issue were based abroad, in Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil, France, and Croatia

Professor Debra Stark

Activities

She was re-appointed Vice-Chairperson of the B-4 Pro Bono Committee of the Real Property Section of the American Bar Association at the ABA's Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California. Professor Stark served as the moderator and one of the speakers at the program "Is There Hope for HOEPA: Initiatives To Prevent Predatory Loans," which took place on August 9, 2003 at the Moscone Convention Center (formerly referred to as a "Presidential Showcase Program"). At the program, after explaining what predatory lending is and why it is still occurring, Professor Stark argued that mandatory counseling for borrowers who enter into high cost home loans is an excellent proactive means to combat the most common forms of predatory loans. She then outlined her proposal for mandatory counseling.

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Student Activities

September 3

"Meet the Employers Night" will be hosted by the Career Services Office, 5:30 p.m., room 3East.

Delta Theta Phi will meet at 5:00 p.m. in room 1105.

Phi Alpha Delta meeting

September 4

The Criminal Law Society will meet at 12:00 p.m. in room 201. Elections will be held. Pizza will be served.

September 6

The John Marshall Law School and the John Marshall Alumni Association are co-sponsors of the Academic Competition Examination. The examination will be held at 9:30 am. Lunch will be served.

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Editor's Note

Up & Coming is the weekly newsletter of The John Marshall Law School. Editor: Assistant Dean John M. McNamara, room 1212, ext. 393. All information to be published in Up & Coming must be placed in the UPCOMING directory on the H drive of The John Marshall Law School's computer network by 12 p.m. each Wednesday.

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