Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Speaks On Professionalism
Last night I attended a talk sponsored by the Maryland Association for Justice. The featured speaker was the Hon. H. Patrick Stringer of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, who was speaking on the issue of professionalism as applied to litigating jury cases.
Judge Stringer worked as a civil defense attorney for 25 years before being appointed to the bench. He is also the first alumni of my alma mater, Calvert Hall College, to be appointed to the Baltimore County Circuit Court.
Much of what Judge Stringer talked about will seem obvious to a competent lawyer, but it is always good to be reminded of certain points:
- Don't interrupt opposing counsel or the court.
- Be clear and concise in oral and written argument.
- Be candid with the court. This includes making sure the cases you cite say what you say they do. If you lie or try to mislead a judge they will never forget, and you might get a letter you don't want from the Attorney Grievance Commission.
- Be prepared. This means showing up with your proposed voir dire and jury instructions ready. I was amazed that there are lawyers who show up for a jury trial without proposed instructions. Maybe it's just me, but I look at the application of law to facts as sort of important in a jury trial.
- Do your research. Judges are not neccessarily experts in the substantive law that applies to your case. Part of your job as an advocate is to arrive ready to educate the court.
- Be courteous. You don't need to litigate every issue that can be litigated. If you can work something out without harming your case, do it.
These are all great tips to keep in mind.
