If you are a newly barred attorney, the next step in your career will likely be to begin appearing in court on behalf of clients. While you learned how to think and write like an attorney, law school did not teach you how to act in court. Here are some helpful tips and tools for your first court appearance.
The most critical thing you must do when appearing in court is to demonstrate professionalism. One of the most important ways to do that is by being punctual to court. Punctuality demonstrates professionalism and respect for the court and judges and will help you progress through your case more easily.
Aim to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early to become familiar with the courthouse, navigate to your desired courtroom on time, and properly prepare for your case to be heard. The last thing you want is to be ill-prepared for your client’s case in front of the court. Also, remember that recurring tardiness can lead to sanctions or even disciplinary action from the court. Remember that it is an honor to practice law, and you should always protect your reputation and integrity as a legal professional.
Another way to demonstrate professionalism in court is to treat not only the judges and other attorneys with dignity and respect but also the court’s staff and support personnel. If this is your first time appearing in a particular court, you may be unfamiliar with navigating to a courtroom. Yet being kind and asking the bailiff, clerks, and other court personnel for assistance can help you find your way to a particular courtroom much faster. Moreover, court staff, such as the clerk and court reporter, often have the judge’s ear and can (and will) relay observations about your off-the-record conduct to the judge. Make sure that what they relay is positive.
Remember that no court hearing occurs in a vacuum, and you must come to court organized and prepared for the hearing. This includes bringing key items to court, such as relevant copies of exhibits, briefs, pleadings, pens, notepads, your driver’s license, and your bar admission card.
Preparation also means being in constant contact with your client prior to appearing in court and keeping them up to date on the status of their case. This includes being aware of the law that pertains to your case and the local rules of that court. For instance, a particular judge may have a clear rule about the required length of a pleading or even a rule regarding the font size for particular pleadings. If you are not at least familiar with that court’s or judge’s local rules, the court may delay proceedings in your case while the issue is addressed, and in the meantime, you will have demonstrated your lack of respect for the court and its rules.
Professionalism also relates to your attire in court. Veer on the side of caution by wearing conservative business attire that is both appropriately formal and not overly attention-grabbing. Such attire reflects the solemnity of court proceedings and ensures that the focus of the hearing will be on your client and not your appearance.
Every lawyer has had to face the challenge of their very court appearance and can remember the sense of anxiety that came with it. By finishing law school and passing the bar, you have already demonstrated the requisite degree of competence to practice law. Be confident that the countless hours spent preparing your case will allow you to succeed.
