Article by 2024-2025 CABA President
Posted December 2024The holiday season is upon us. Parties, good cheer, and shopping lie ahead for many of us. The holidays are a special time of year. A time to share special moments with family and friends. A time to cherish loved ones. A time to reflect upon the year soon to end. A time to anticipate the year about to begin.
But what if this holiday season, we performed a few good deeds—consistent not only with the holiday spirit, but also with CABA's mission to serve the public and our members? What if we assisted a deserving family in the tri-county area by agreeing to perform legal services pro bono in the new year? If we found a way to offer a hand-up, not a hand-out, to someone searching unsuccessfully for work in this tight economy? If we were able to help a citizen striving, but unable, to feed his or her family? If we bought one gift, educational or whimsical, for a child who will find no present underneath the tree? And within CABA, what if we publicly praised a colleague worthy of recognition for long-standing community service? If we surprised an adversary with an unexpected (perhaps even undeserved) act of professionalism and civility?
As lawyers, we hold the privilege of being members of the greatest profession in the world. But that privilege obliges us to give back to the communities and profession we serve. The rendering of legal services to those least able to access or afford them is a hallmark of the legal profession, because protecting the basic rights of all citizens is essential to preserving our democratic system. It is also an effective vehicle for mending the unflattering image of the legal profession held by many in society.
I often hear judges and lawyers alike lament the lack of professionalism and civility among lawyers. In the spirit not only of the holidays but also our Code of Professional Conduct, let's pledge to model exemplary professionalism and civility. Indeed, it is our responsibility to ensure that our professional behavior is conforming to the Mississippi Rules of Professional Conduct. The Rules admonish us to treat opposing counsel with courtesy and respect. We are instructed to provide zealous but honorable representation without resorting to unfair or offensive tactics. As professional colleagues, we should encourage and counsel new lawyers by providing advice and mentoring, and foster civility among members of the bar by acceding to reasonable requests that do not prejudice the interests of our clients.
This holiday season and beyond, lend a helping hand to someone less privileged. Choose civility over hard-ball tactics. Be honorable. Make a difference—not by mere words, but by good deeds worthy of emulation. Do so and you will be surprised at just how inspiring and uplifting your good deeds can be to others. And, in many respects, that really is the reason for the season. I wish each of you a safe and joyous holiday season.