A Message from the Chief Justice: One Way to Show Professionalism
By Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb

Professionalism can be defined in many ways. Some may choose to define it using terms such as integrity or civility. Others see the term more aligned with advocacy or the manner in which the law is practiced. In the end, both definitions are correct. The Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism has the goal of addressing professionalism issues among the legal community and to assure Alabama citizens that the Alabama Supreme Court will take necessary steps to confirm that attorneys and judges understand the responsibility that they have to the citizens they serve.

Recently, the justices of the supreme court noted their concern with the quality of certiorari practice among the members of the Alabama State Bar and its direct application to professionalism. Practitioners realize that the granting of a writ of certiorari by the court is discretionary and not obligatory. Consequently, in consultation with the state bar, the justices commend to the attention of all bar members an article which appears in the May 2009 issue of The Alabama Lawyer, "Basics of Certiorari Practice in the Alabama Supreme Court," authored by Marc James Ayers and Andrew L. Brasher. I ask all attorneys to read this informative article before filing a petition for writ of certiorari. I also recommend keeping this article on file for future reference.

It is the expectation of the bar that the level of professionalism exhibited by attorneys will continue to increase.

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