Page 13 - JanuaryFebruary26 Report

In the Dos and Don’ts list on depo-
sitions, it lists, “DO go ‘off record’ and
confer with opposing counsel, privately
and outside the deposition room, if you
are having problems with respect to objec-
tions, the tone of the questions being asked
or the form of the questions” and “DON’T
make rude and degrading comments to,
or ad hominem attacks on, deponent or
opposing counsel, either when asking
questions or objecting to questions.8”
These lists are a great resource because
they speak to specific scenarios that you
will inevitably run into as you continue to
practice. Referring to them will help guide
you through those situations where your
professional conduct and civility will be
tested.
Cincinnati Bar Association’s
Professionalism Committee
The Cincinnati Bar Association’s
(CBA) Professionalism Committee is
an appointed committee that “exists to
promote honor, integrity, competence and
civility among lawyers and judges’ alle-
giance to the justice system; the exercise
of sound judgment; and the performance
of pro bono service in the practice of
law.9” The Committee hosts continuing
legal education programs and events that
focus on professionalism and civility
among the CBA’s members. Additionally,
each year the Committee hosts a series of
ten-minute mentoring sessions that are
“TED-style” talks given by lawyers and
judges in our community. All sessions can
be found on the CBA’s website at https://
www.cincybar.org/Groups/PRO. You
may join the committee by
contacting Maria Palermo of
the CBA or one of the other
committee members listed
on the website.
Mentorship
Mentorship is a great way to learn
about professionalism and civility in
practice as you get to observe how estab-
lished practitioners treat court staff,
manage disputes, and respond to opposing
counsel. Not only are there observational
opportunities, but you can also ask your
mentor for specific feedback on your tone,
demeanor, and communication habits
early in your career.
It also is beneficial to seek multiple
mentors. For example, finding a mentor
outside of your office or firm, perhaps
someone that practices within a different
area than you, can be an added benefit
as you can learn from someone that may
offer a differing perspective on situa-
tions where you seek guidance. Multiple
mentors can also advise you on different
aspects of your career (i.e. your practice
area mentor, a professionalism/ethics
mentor, personal mentor, etc.).
Professionalism and Civility is
a Process and Our Choice
Professionalism and civility are not
innate, but rather they are skills that are
tested, require practice, and you develop
them over time and experience. Our
profession is adversarial in nature, but our
conduct is a choice. By choosing civility,
we strengthen our advocacy, elevate our
profession, and shape the bar we want to
belong to.
Nathan “Nate” Sparks is an Associate Attorney with
Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis, a firm in Covington,
Kentucky representing individuals in Ohio and
Kentucky suffering from catastrophic injuries as a
result of another’s negligence. Nate’s practice focuses
on medical malpractice, personal injury, and product
liability matters. Nate is also a Member of the CBA’s
Professionalism Committee.
1 Civ.R. 37(A)(1).
2 A Lawyer’s Creed (1997).
3 Id.
4 Id.
5 Id.
6 Id.
7 Professionalism Dos and Don’ts: Working With Opposing
Counsel & Other Lawyers (bold added).
8 Professionalism Dos and Don’ts: Depositions (bold
added).
9 Cincinnati Bar Association, Professionalism, https://
www.cincybar.org/Groups/PRO (accessed November
30, 2025).
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