Professionalism Page
| Publication year | 2021 |
| Pages | 0064 |
| Citation | Vol. 26 No. 6 Pg. 0064 |
Space and Grace: Continue the Conversation on Unparalleled Unity
The Commission encourages lawyers to continue this conversation or start one of their own, beginning with getting to know someone who might think differently than they do.
BY KARLISE Y. GRIER
On March 19, the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism convened a CLE of approximately 1,600 lawyers and judges to discuss whether lawyers can lead efforts, using the tools of professionalism, to bridge the political, racial and social divisions in America. In advance of the CLE, a diverse panel of lawyers and judges[1] submitted written responses to a series of questions, which served as the framework for discussion. Each panelist was asked to introduce themselves in the context of a Commission "Calling to Task," which is part of the Commission's mission statement,[2] and also discussed what "unparalleled unity" meant to each of them, sharing their responses to the questions submitted to them in advance.[3]
As she shared her answer about the meaning of "unparalleled unity," Justice Carla Wong McMillian spoke about the values and goals that lawyers and judges share, many of which are set forth in A Lawyers Creet and the A spirational Statement on Professionalism.[4] Hon. Nina Markette Baker discussed the importance of lawyers using an elevated level of civility. She shared that, during one of her first cases as a new lawyer, she had a cup of coffee with an older colleague who taught her that being a lawyer isn't about fighting' it is about trying to find some common ground. Baker went on to highlight the work of the State Bar of Georgia's Seeking Equal Justice and Addressing Racism & Racial Bias Committee, which has instituted a series of "Courageous Conversations" under the leadership of State Bar President Dawn M. Jones.
On the subject of conversations, Ashley Bell discussed his thoughts on having a constructive conversation with others when they ascribe to different "factual records."
"History matters," said Bell. "If you don't understand how we get to certain points, people from different backgrounds are automatically dealing with a different set of facts.... I keep books near me. If someone comes to me and says, "'I don't understand something,' I give them a book. Once I have given someone
"As leaders, lawyers have the opportunity and ability to speak up for others who may not be...
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