Guess what judges talk about in the judges’ lunchroom? Attorneys. After presiding over a heavy motion calendar or a challenging trial, judges eat lunch at the lunchroom and vent about the attorneys who appeared in their courtrooms. The most frequent topic of our lunch conversations? Uncivil, rude, unprepared and disrespectful attorneys. The “usual suspects” included attorneys who were always late, those who were rude to court staff, and those who addressed the court as “Hey, Judge.” We all knew who these attorneys were.
Just as attorneys talk about bad judges, judges talk about bad attorneys. When you represent your clients in court, your reputation is everything. Most judges enjoy a vigorous debate presented in a respectful and civil manner, but incivility is counterproductive. Don’t become the topic of conversation in the judge’s lunchroom.
By Hon. Dalila C. Lyons (ret.)
Mediator/Arbitrator
signatureresolution.com
dlyons@signatureresolution.com
Please note that the author’s expressed opinions or perspectives are those of the author alone and may not be those of BlawgMine or of any employer, school, agency, organization with which the author may be affiliated.
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