'The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism…'

On Nov. 9, 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. Last week we published some of the excerpts of some of their responses. Here are more.

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Always conduct yourself in a courteous and professional manner with both clients and adversaries.

Jules A. Lieberman, chosen by the Camden County Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Your reputation is the most important asset. Do nothing to tarnish it.

Patrick C. Dunican Jr., chosen by the Essex County Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Nothing is more important than my integrity.

Stacey M. Geurds, chosen by the Mercer County Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: As lawyers we are the guardians of a civilized society. We help people to resolve disputes, negotiate agreements, and transfer property in a fair and reasonable way. Given our role, it is critical to public confidence in our system that lawyers always act in a professional manner.

Diana C. Manning, chosen by the Morris County Bar Association and Trial Attorneys of New Jersey

The most important thing I learned about attorney professionalism is: that it does not take a great deal of time and effort to be professional. When thinking about those qualities I admire in attorneys who are most respected within our legal community, I recognize that they are always courteous. The pressures of practicing law are difficult to juggle, and oftentimes we can easily forget that how we treat other members of our profession can leave a lasting impression.

Michele E. D'Onofrio, chosen by the Somerset County Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Our greatest honor is being able to give a voice to the voiceless. I am lucky to be able to do that.

George T. Daggett, chosen by the Sussex County Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Developing the patience to listen as opposed to hearing what you want to hear.

Asaad K. Siddiqi, chosen by the New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association

'The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism…'

On Nov. 9, 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. Last week we published some of the excerpts of some of their responses. Here are more.

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Always conduct yourself in a courteous and professional manner with both clients and adversaries.

Jules A. Lieberman, chosen by the Camden County Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Your reputation is the most important asset. Do nothing to tarnish it.

Patrick C. Dunican Jr., chosen by the Essex County Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Nothing is more important than my integrity.

Stacey M. Geurds, chosen by the Mercer County Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: As lawyers we are the guardians of a civilized society. We help people to resolve disputes, negotiate agreements, and transfer property in a fair and reasonable way. Given our role, it is critical to public confidence in our system that lawyers always act in a professional manner.

Diana C. Manning, chosen by the Morris County Bar Association and Trial Attorneys of New Jersey

The most important thing I learned about attorney professionalism is: that it does not take a great deal of time and effort to be professional. When thinking about those qualities I admire in attorneys who are most respected within our legal community, I recognize that they are always courteous. The pressures of practicing law are difficult to juggle, and oftentimes we can easily forget that how we treat other members of our profession can leave a lasting impression.

Michele E. D'Onofrio, chosen by the Somerset County Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Our greatest honor is being able to give a voice to the voiceless. I am lucky to be able to do that.

George T. Daggett, chosen by the Sussex County Bar Association

The most important thing I've learned about attorney professionalism is: Developing the patience to listen as opposed to hearing what you want to hear.

Asaad K. Siddiqi, chosen by the New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association