Feedback sought for draft lawyer civility standards

The Attorney Civility Task Force is seeking feedback from California lawyers on the initial draft of voluntary standards of civility and professionalism. Although some bar associations have adopted guidelines or standards for their members, California lacks a single set of civility standards for use statewide. The draft standards are intended to complement these existing standards and to be used by members in geographic areas that do not have any guidelines in place.

The task force will hold two public hearings on the draft standards:

• March 14, at 11 a.m., at the State Bar’s San Francisco offices, 180 Howard St.
• March 28, at the bar’s Los Angeles offices, 1149 South Hill St., at 9:30 a.m.

A perceived decline in civility in the legal profession prompted bar President Shelly Sloan to create the task force. Following consideration of informal feedback, the task force will ask the board of governors to authorize a public comment period in May.

To obtain a copy of the initial draft, contact Mary Yen at mary.yen@calbar.ca.gov or 415-538-2369, or Teri Greenman at teri.greenman@calbar.ca.gov or 415-538-2454, or go to the link below. To reserve a space to speak or present written materials at the hearings, contact Yen or Greenman by March 12 for the San Francisco hearing and March 20 for the Los Angeles hearing. Written comments should be sent to Yen or Greenman at 180 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105, by March 20.

DRAFT- California Attorney Standards of Civility & Professionalism (Summary and Long Version)