August 28, 2024 - by MSBA Staff

Become a More Effective Attorney: Join the MSBA for a Deep Dive into Professionalism and Civility

For Maryland attorneys, effective advocacy requires more than just mastering statutes and case law—it demands upholding the highest standards of professionalism and civility in every interaction. On Thursday, September 26, 2024, MSBA invites you to attend Professionalism and Civility—Assets That Will Make You a More Effective Lawyer. This event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm at Montgomery County College, Rockville Campus.

Why This Program Matters

Attorneys should approach each interaction with professionalism and civility. These qualities are not just ethical imperatives but practical tools that can significantly influence the outcome of your cases and the trajectory of your career. This program aims to provide Maryland attorneys with an in-depth exploration of the ethical and professional standards mandated by the Maryland Attorneys' Rules of Professional Conduct. Beyond theory, the course will focus on actionable strategies to maintain respectful and effective communication with clients, opposing counsel, and the judiciary.

What You Will Learn

The program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of how professionalism impacts various aspects of legal practice, including:

  • Courtroom Decorum: Learn the nuances of maintaining a professional demeanor in court, which can enhance your credibility and effectiveness.
  • Client Interactions: Discover best practices for fostering positive client relationships, ensuring clear communication, and setting realistic expectations.
  • Inter-Lawyer Relations: Explore strategies for maintaining civility with opposing counsel, which can lead to more amicable and productive negotiations.

The faculty will discuss each of these topics with a focus on how professional conduct not only reflects on individual attorneys but also on the legal profession and the justice system as a whole.

Esteemed Speakers

This event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers who bring a wealth of experience and insight:

  • Alvin Frederick, Esq., Of Counsel, Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand, P.A.
  • Thomas M. DeGonia, Esq., Bar Counsel for Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland
  • Chief Judge John P. Morrissey, District Court of Maryland
  • Justice Steven B. Gould, Maryland Supreme Court
  • Judge Douglas R. M. Nazarian, Appellate Court of Maryland
  • Judge Richard J. Sandy, Maryland Circuit Court Judge

These legal experts will share their experiences and offer practical advice on how professionalism and civility can be vital assets in your legal practice. They will also cover topics such as Professionalism as a Key to Effective Lawyering and Professionalism and Risk Management.

This program offers two hours of ethics credit, recognized by surrounding MCLE states.

Register Today

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your professional growth. You can register here. If you cannot attend the live program, you can pre-purchase the OnDemand version.

Thank You to Our Sponsor

We thank Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company for sponsoring this event and supporting MSBA’s mission to provide valuable resources and education to Maryland attorneys.