Creed of Professionalism
of the
Greensboro
Bar Association
The American legal system embodies
our nation’s shared values of individual freedom, dignity, the right to due
process, and equal protection under the law. As lawyers, we are guardians
for our legal system, and we have an important professional responsibility
to recognize, honor, and enhance the rule of law. We are in a privileged
position, and, therefore, we work under special obligations. To forget or
to set aside these obligations is to dishonor our profession.
Professionalism encompasses a
dedication to excellence in serving clients, a respect for the rule of law,
the court, and other lawyers, and commitment to seek a just result in all
matters undertaken for clients. The practice of law is a profession and not
a business. A lawyer need not sacrifice the opportunity to prosper, but the
practice of law must be service motivated rather than profit inspired. The
morals of the marketplace are not sufficient for the practice of law. As a
lawyer, I subscribe to the following Creed of Professionalism:
Individual Commitment to Professionalism:
My word is my bond. Integrity is an absolute.
Fairness and civility are essential. Financial considerations will never
override my professional responsibility.
To
my clients, I offer loyalty, competence, diligence, and good judgment. I
will represent you as I would want to be represented. I will provide timely
information on all matters pertaining to your case. I will be worthy of
your trust by providing vigorous advocacy, independent guidance, reasoned
counseling, and fair value in services performed for fees paid. I will work
to attain the highest level of knowledge and skill in the areas of law in
which I practice.
To
the public and our profession, I offer service. I will strive to improve
the law and our legal system, and to make our legal system more accessible,
responsive, and effective for all. I will contribute my time and resources
to the Bar, public service, community, and civic activities. I will honor
the requirements, the spirit, and the intent of the rules of professional
conduct.
To
my colleagues in the practice of law, I offer concern for your welfare. As
we work together, I will respect your personal and family commitments. I
will share my learning and experience so that we may all improve our skills
and abilities.
To
the courts and to those who assist them, I offer respect, candor, and
courtesy. I will strive to do honor to the search for justice. I will
serve as an officer of the court, encouraging respect for the law and
avoiding the abuse or misuse of the law, its procedures, its participants,
and the processes.
To
opposing parties and their counsel, I offer honesty, fairness, and
courtesy. I will seek truth and strive to make the resolution of our
clients’ dispute in a dignified process. I will pursue the most efficient
and least costly solutions to problems, avoiding delay, seeking
reconciliation, and resolving disputes through negotiation or mediation
whenever possible.
___________________
________________
James G. Exum, Jr., Henry E. Frye,
Chief
Justice, North Carolina Chief Justice, North Carolina
Supreme Court 1986-1994 Supreme Court 1999-2000
Associate Justice, North Carolina Associate Justice, North Carolina
Supreme Court 1974-1986 Supreme Court 1983-1999
Signature
Date
Note:
Portions of this Creed were adopted from “A Lawyer’s Creed” by the Chief
Justice’s Commission on Professionalism for the Supreme Court of Georgia,
“The Professional Creed” of the American Inns of Court, an essay by Edward
Abbey published by Henry Holt & Company, the writings of Robert L. McMillan,
the North Carolina Wake County Creed of Professionalism, and the Lawyer’s
Professionalism Creed established by the Chief Justice’s Commission on
Professionalism, Chief Justice Henry Frye, Chairman.