The importance of professionalism and its applicability in all facets of practicing – civility, responsiveness, fiduciary role – when to do what and how.

Moderators: Michael T. Warshaw, Esq. and Rachel Flanagan Creighton, Esq., Co-Chairs, Professionalism Committee

Opening Remarks: Honorable Lisa P. Thornton, A.J.S.C.

Welcoming Remarks: F. Bradford Batcha, President, Monmouth Bar Association

Guest Speaker: Michael T. Mccormick, Director & Counsel, NJ Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection

Topics to be covered:

• “KYC” Know Your Clients
  • How are your meeting them? In person? Zoom? Caution of Fraud
  • D&B Reports of Clients c. Post-Pandemic Client Interactions
• Duty to Report Bad Behavior/Incompetence/Unauthorized Practice of Law
  • What is your duty/proactive obligation (if any) to call out an adversary mistakes v. fiduciary duty to client
  • What quantum of proof do you need to “drop a dime” how and to whom do you communicate this?
• Overarching Professionalism
  • “Generational Practice” and the Importance of Mentorship
• The Pandemic Reality & Post Pandemic Hangover
  • 2 years of law clerks/young lawyers living in a zoom world with no opportunity to witness “on their feet court decorum and skills”
• Communication – Responsiveness/Civility
  • Email – Reiterate the importance of due diligence re: email and texts – i.e. Discuss “reply all” or bcc or forward to client after
  • What to do inadvertent communication-destroy all copies and send back to adversary
• Decorum – The Appropriate Boundaries of Advocacy and Etiquette
  • Lack of civility in the Zoom world – i.e. Zoom muscles/eyerolling
  • “Spicy” attorneys with the court and with each other
  • Attorneys who market themselves as “not afraid to buck up against the court.”

Speakers:

Rachel Flanagan Creighton, Chair
Michael T. Warshaw, Chair
John F. DeBartolo, Trustee Representative
Kristine M. Carranceja-Gurski
Thomas J. Smith, III
Natalie Watson
Scott J. Basen
William Denver
Corinne L. McCann Trainor
Justin M. English
Timothy F. McGoughran
Stephanie Palo

Closing Remarks: Honorable. Lisa P. Thornton, A.J.S.C.

Please note there is a cost to attend.

CLE credit available.