The Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Professionalism has released the Dos and Don’ts of Professionalism in the Courtroom.

The Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Professionalism has released the Dos and Don’ts of Professionalism in the Courtroom.

The Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Professionalism has released the second of a series of best practices publications titled Professionalism Dos and Don’ts. The series of Dos and Don’ts, published on a quarterly basis, include suggested guidelines on attorney conduct. Today the commission released the Dos and Don’ts of Professionalism in the Courtroom, which recommends guidelines for proper conduct, civility, and respect in the courtroom.

The commission hopes to promote professionalism among Ohio’s lawyers with this series but does not regulate attorney conduct or affect attorney discipline. Commission on Professionalism Secretary Lori Keating said the publications will help practicing attorneys, judges, and law school students.

“Any attorney who has questions about proper conduct in a courtroom will appreciate this set of suggested guidelines,” Keating said. “Lawyers should know how to best conduct themselves in front of judges and opposing counsel to avoid unprofessional practices.”

Some of the Dos in the courtroom include wearing appropriate attire, being on time for all court conferences and proceedings, beginning any argument before the judge or jury by saying, “may it please the court,” and showing all exhibits to opposing counsel before showing the exhibit to a witness.

Some of the Don’ts in the courtroom include interrupting opposing counsel or the judge, making facial objections during testimony or during arguments by opposing counsel, and celebrating or denouncing a verdict as it is delivered.

Keating said the series of practices will be incorporated into professionalism CLEs, distributed by judges to practitioners who come before them, and taught to law school students.

View the complete list of Professionalism Dos and Don’ts: Professionalism in the Courtroom.

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