Treat Others How You Want to be Treated

I read an interesting post the other day on a blog which I frequent, that discussed some of the often missed pragmatic aspects of practicing law.  It talked about how law school generally teaches about 80% theory and 20% practice, however this 20% fails to address practical problems with the most prominent example having to do with what is generally viewed as 'secretarial' or 'paralegal' work.  Though I am not an attorney (let alone even in law school yet), this particular post made me consider two 'rules,' if you will, that I definitely plan on abiding by when I become one.  Which brings me to my first point.

1.  Hire (and respect the services of) a skilled secretary or paralegal.

Right now, I have the benefit of being asked to perform many of these duties, and am gaining a ton of practical knowledge which many attorneys tell me they simply do not teach in law school.  Though these tasks tend to be the work of secretaries and paralegals, if they are not completed both correctly and on time, the law firm essentially ceases to function properly.  As a result, I have learned that it does not help to be condescending or overly critical (emphasis on OVERLY, being critical is part of the profession) of work completed by secretaries or paralegals.  They are the gears which keep the law firm clock running smoothly, and on schedule.

While this first principle was implied by that particular post, I noticed that this second important principle seems to have been overlooked.

2.  Treat courtroom staff like they are the Second Coming of Christ Himself!

Consider this hypothetical situation:  You are an Assistant District Attorney in a major metropolitan area, where crime is more or less a way of life.  You may have a case load of close to (perhaps even a little over) 100 cases.  Though you are accountable for your 100 cases, the courtroom staff is accountable for your 100 cases, plus EVERYONE ELSE'S 100 cases, and must handle pleadings from both Plaintiff and Defendant.  Moral of the story?  They don't have time for/do not want to put up with your attitude and crap.  While watching a certain individual we can refer to as 'X' attempt to file papers, she had about her a certain noticeably negative attitude.  By the end of the day, the court staff threatened to call the Marshall's office, and it took forever for her to get assistance, and get the job done.  Having learned from this, calling everyone 'sir' or 'ma'am,' and thanking them for even the smallest bit of advice has gone an awfully long way for me, and I often find myself done filing within an hour (wait time included).  Be polite and respectful, and the courthouse staff will be more than happy to answer your questions and give you the help you need.

In short, the so-called 'golden rule' rings true in the legal field as well.  Treat others the way you want to be treated, and it will keep the whole legal process moving much more smoothly not only for yourself, but others who appreciate your courtesy, as well.