Revisiting Professionalism Standards: There's No Better Time Than the Present.

• Date: 01 July 2021
• Author: Tanner, Michael G.
• Published date: 01 July 2021
• Author: Tanner, Michael G.

It can be easy for lawyers to describe what it means to practice with professionalism. Usually, we can simply describe the conduct of the lawyers we most admire--the most effective lawyers we deal with. But putting those demonstrated behavioral standards into practice across our profession has proven to be more challenging. I believe the time has come for our Bar to once again act systematically to address our ongoing behavioral challenges.

During the upcoming Bar year, when I will be privileged to serve as your president, I plan to shine a spotlight on lawyer professionalism and ethics issues, topics I have taken an interest in during my years in Bar service and on which I campaigned for election to office.

In the January 2021 Florida Bar membership survey, nearly one-third of responding...