It has probably been awhile since anyone asked you to mind your Ps and Qs, but take this as your sign to be mindful of your manners and exercise professional courtesy as you go about your work day. While you will not find any rules of etiquette á la Emily Post in the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, your job as an attorney offers numerous opportunities to be polite and courteous as the profession demands. A day in the life of lawyer means you may interact with colleagues, both friendly and adverse, your office staff, judges, and court personnel. Consider this your gentle reminder to use your manners with each of these groups you may encounter as follows:

• Other lawyers – Every lawyer you meet will likely describe their jurisdiction as a “small legal community,” regardless of where they practice. Rude or inconsiderate communication or conduct are not soon forgotten. Remember – you can zealously advocate for your client while maintaining the professionalism our job requires.
• Office staff – When working with your paralegals, legal assistants, and other office administrators, using a team approach goes a long way. By speaking kindly to support staff and being respectful of their time, you can expect productivity and work place morale to increase as they work hard for you to complete a task or meet a deadline.
• Judges – Although it goes without saying, being respectful of judicial officers is a non-negotiable. While some jurisdictions have local rules about courtroom dress and decorum, take it upon yourself to dress and act the part. Standing when you address the court until you are told to sit, using “Your Honor” or “Judge” whether you are in the courtroom or out in public, and overall elevating the judiciary will not go unnoticed.
• Court staff – Another unwritten rule, treat court staff like you would the judges they assist. Be polite but also take an interest in them and their day. Following the Golden Rule is not only the right thing to do, you can be certain that any rude comments or mistreatment will get back to the judge. 

Daily communication and correspondence is another opportunity to use your good manners. Without question, the way we correspond with each other has changed. It is now somewhat shocking to receive a letter via regular mail as the pace and expectations of today’s legal practice demand the immediacy of e-mail. As our profession evolves with technology, being well-mannered and erring on the side of a more formal tone is always appropriate. Keep your correspondence polite and professional. And while e-mail and e-filing may now be commonplace, avoid communicating with your clients via text message. The casual means of communication can be easily shared, destroying the confidentiality of the conversation. It is also harder to capture for billing purposes.   

One of the most successful rainmaking attorneys I ever worked with was known to remind the attorneys in our office that you should never have to tell someone you’re a lawyer when you walk into a room. They should know by the way you carry yourself and interact with others. Keep this in mind as go about your daily business. And, as Justice Clarence Thomas once said, “Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.”