Florida Lawyers Must be on Best Behavior

Civility is lacking in the practice of law, according to the Supreme Court of Florida.

As an inducement to better behavior, the Oath of Admission to The Florida Bar will now contain the following pledge:

To opposing parties and their counsel, I pledge fairness, integrity, and civility, not only in court, but also in all written and oral communications.

Effective immediately, the ruling recognizes the importance of respectful and civil conduct in the practice of law. The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) played a role in the Court's decision, which also reflects a similar provision used in South Carolina.

The Code of Professional Conduct is not to be taken lightly in Florida. The Bar's scrutiny of attorney advertising is so strict that it is one of the few states in the country with a fee-based filing and review process for every advertisement (TV, radio, print, and billboard) and direct mail campaign used by a law firm (with only a few exceptions). Even lawyers not licensed in Florida, but who prospect for business in our Sunshine State, are subject to the legal marketing guidelines.

Read the full ruling of the Supreme Court of Florida, No. SC11-1702, dated September 12, 2011.

Read the ABOTA press release promoting the decision.

Recent Legal Marketing Projects

It's been a busy few months, for which I am grateful! Here are some of the projects that have kept me from blogging much.

• Implementing an extensive integrated marketing campaign for a Florida personal injury law firm, including social media marketing on Facebook and Twitter, a new website, educational books, ads, and more.
• Working with a Los Angeles litigation law firm to implement a marketing and business development program, including new brochures, website updates, Google AdWords, trade show support, PR, and more.
• Assisting insurance defense law firms around the country prepare and submit applications to become panel counsel with insurance carriers and self-insured. Learn more about our insurance defense marketing services.
• Helping a client prepare a major international direct mail campaign targeting Asian companies that may face litigation in U.S. courts.
• Setting up a business development program for a Fort Lauderdale litigation firm, including design of a new website, logo, PR, marketing to current clients, and setting up a referral networking program. 
• Helping solo practitioners in Maryland, New York, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri and elsewhere look more professional with law firm brochures for use with clients and prospects.
• Accelerating business development systems for a growing Pennsylvania trust and estates law firm.
• Launched a new website for a London immigration law firm. 

Let's connect on Twitter @RainmakingLady or LinkedIn!