Be a Laboring Lawyer
Jim Vickaryous
Abraham Lincoln once famously said, “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” This serves as a poignant reminder for lawyers to eschew laziness and embrace the laborious nature of our craft. In the legal profession, there are no shortcuts to success. The path to becoming a formidable lawyer is paved with perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to hard work. As lawyers, it is crucial to constantly remind ourselves of the importance of diligent preparation, including understanding our arguments and those of our opponents, along with meticulously checking the facts of each case.
The Florida Bar rules define diligence (FL Bar Rule 4-1.3) and demand that lawyers work hard. “A lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client.” That is, lawyers are obligated to work diligently, but it does not require the use of offensive tactics or preclude the treating of all persons involved in the legal process with courtesy and respect. Lawyers must manage their workload in a way that allows them to competently address each matter.