On Nov. 9, the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law presented attorneys with Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards.

The honorees, chosen by bar associations across the state, represent “the exemplars and the standard bearers of our profession,” said Paula Franzese, chair of the commission and Peter W. Rodino Professor of Law at Seton Hall University.

The commission, a cooperative effort of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the state and federal judiciary, and New Jersey's three law schools, asked each of the award recipients to reflect on the most important thing they have learned about attorney professionalism. This week and next week, the Bar Report will be publishing excerpts of some of their responses:

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Integrity above all. The demands of our profession can never, ever trump attorney professionalism. No exceptions, loopholes or fine print.

—Jhanice V. Domingo, chosen by the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: A lawyer does not violate the paramount obligation to represent a client zealously by acceding to reasonable requests by opposing counsel which do not prejudice the rights of the client; by avoiding offensive tactics including harassment or ad hominem attacks; or by treating the parties, witnesses, counsel, and the court with courtesy and consideration.

—Peter S. Pearlman, chosen by the Association of the Federal Bar of NJ

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: You must constantly strive to be respectful and courteous in your practice while at the same time being a zealous advocate for your clients. Occasionally, attorneys and clients may view civility as a weakness, when it is, in fact, a virtue fundamental to the practice of law. Bad behavior from your adversary is never an excuse to deviate from the standards of professionalism.

—Carlos M. Bollar, chosen by the Hispanic Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: The need for integrity, honesty, and respect and in the latter case, respectful disagreement and civil discourse are critical—in all of our dealings—both professional and personal.

—Michelle A. Schaap, chosen by the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association