Professionalism and Exclusion in the Legal Field

The Problem with Misinterpreting Professionalism

• Professionalism can be misused as a tool for exclusion rather than a source of pride.
• A student was advised to change his appearance (dreadlocks) to improve his chances of getting callbacks, highlighting the pressure to conform.
• Professionalism should not be an assimilation tool used by the dominant culture.

What Professionalism Truly Means

• Conducting oneself in a way that exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal profession.
• Reverence for legal institutions and respect for oneself and others.
• Continuous commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prioritizing well-being.
• Chief U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer: “Professionalism is being good at what you do and making sure what you do is good.”

Applying Professionalism

• Some aspects are straightforward: punctuality, preparedness, and respect for the process.
• Acknowledge that opposing counsel's interests are valuable.
• The Preamble to the Rules of Professional Conduct provides aspirational guidance.

Interrupting Our Vision of a Lawyer

• Institutions must prioritize cultural proficiency to correct microaggressions and implicit bias.
• Cultural proficiency involves:
  • Valuing diversity.
  • Developing cultural self-assessment.
  • Understanding dynamics when cultures interact.
  • Learning about underrepresented groups.
  • Enhancing communication and problem-solving.

Actions for Legal Professionals

• Reexamine the definition of professionalism using the Preamble to the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Confront and interrupt established visions of professionalism.
• Bring awareness to how misinterpreting professionalism can be exclusionary.
• Refocus on characteristics that ensure the best outcomes for clients, legal institutions, and the practice of law.