Civility in the legal profession means “treating others with courtesy, dignity, and respect, as well as demonstrating “cooperation, honesty, and restraint.”

David A. Grenardo, Civility Rules: Debunking the Major Myths Surrounding Mandatory Civility for Lawyers and Five Mandatory Civility Rules That Will Work,37 GEO J. LEGAL ETHICS 167, 172 (2024).

Key WSBA Links

“Professor Donald Campbell studied over 140 civility codes and used over 30 state bar association codes to arrive at ten core concepts of civility in the law:

(1) recognize the importance of keeping commitments and of seeking agreement and accommodation with regard to scheduling and extensions;

(2) be respectful and act in a courteous, cordial, and civil manner;

(3) be prompt, punctual, and prepared;

(4) maintain honesty and personal integrity;

(5) communicate with opposing counsel;

(6) avoid actions taken merely to delay or harass;

(7) ensure proper conduct before the court;

(8) act with dignity and cooperation in pre-trial proceedings;

(9) act as a role model to the client and public and as a mentor to young lawyers; and

(10) utilize the court system in an efficient and fair manner.”

Donald E. Campbell, Raise Your Right Hand and Swear to Be Civil: Defining Civility as an Obligation of Professional Responsibility, 47 GONZ. L. REV. 99, 107-109 (2011).