Civility Homecoming: The Ethics of Lawyer Civility & Professionalism

Civility is not politeness alone, and it is not agreement. It sits at the core of a lawyer's ethical obligations as advocate, public citizen, and officer of the court. Hon. Tiffany Williams Brewer, Howard University School of Law, examines how the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct root civility in a lawyer's duties. She traces why incivility delays justice and erodes public confidence in the legal system. The program debunks common myths about civility, connects it to the standards of diligence and zealous advocacy, and reviews how courts and bar associations are building civility into professional oaths and disciplinary rules. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for advocating vigorously while practicing with integrity.