A PROFILE IN PROFESSIONALISM

The Honorable David Hittner United States Judge for the Southern District of Texas

When I commenced practicing law in Houston almost forty years ago, the Bar was not nearly as large as it is today. If a lawyer was not personally known by his or her reputation, the attorney’s background - good or bad - was usually easily determined by a call to one or two practicing colleagues. Even today, it continues to amaze me how relatively quickly a member of our profession can establish his or her reputation in the legal community. I subscribe to the frequently quoted axiom, “Nothing travels faster than the accusation that a lawyer’s word is no good.” I believe that this statement accurately applies not only to an attorney’s reputation amongst adversaries, but is especially applicable to the judiciary’s perception of individual lawyers. Being occasionally unable to respond to a judge’s inquiry may be understandable and acceptable under various circumstances, but fabrication, disrespect for the Court or one’s opponent, and unpreparedness will be remembered. Lawyers should continually strive to safeguard their reputation. The legal profession is truly a noble calling, and professionalism, ethics, and reputability are integral to our successful practice of law.