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Professional Development

By ALM Staff | Law Journal Newsletters |
May 30, 2007

I started conducting etiquette-training sessions in the mid 90s. The typical program focused on good manners and business protocol. Fast-forward to the new millennium and I am discussing etiquette topics that were unknown a decade ago, like appropriate use of cell phones, PDAs and electronic mail. Interesting thing about etiquette: It constantly changes to keep up with society, technology and new business philosophies. Who would have thought or accepted the notion of 'business casual' anytime other than on 90-degree summer days? Or that a named partner would be called by his or her first name?

Unfortunately, along with dressing down our attire and our diminished show of respect for station or attained status, we have also lost our common courtesies and basic levels of good etiquette. Look around your firm and observe. I challenge you to spend time listening and watching how the partners, associates and staff interact with each other. To help you in your observations, look for the following types of etiquette circumstances.

  • Have people stopped saying 'please' and 'thank you' for basic niceties?
  • Do the lawyers know the firm's protocol for meetings, retreats and other activities?
  • Do people introduce each other to visitors, clients or other new faces in the office?
  • At meetings, are people seated in an arrangement that is conducive to a positive working situation?
  • Are basic dining and table manners missing?

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