Raising the Bar: Professionalism and Conduct in the Courtroom

The Florida Bar's LegalFuel Podcast

Professionalism, ethics, and courtroom presence are vital tools for every attorney striving to deliver exceptional service and build a strong reputation. Today, we’ll explore how these qualities can elevate an attorney's practice, enhancing credibility with judges, clients, and colleagues. Organizations like the American Inns of Court play a key role in promoting these standards, helping attorneys navigate the challenges of a demanding profession while upholding the values of integrity and civility.

In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Judge Ross Bilbrey, to share insights on courtroom decorum, oral argument tips, and the value of the Florida Inns of Court.

Judge Bilbrey has been on the First District Court of Appeal since 2015. Prior to this, he was a Circuit Court judge in Pensacola beginning in 2012 and was appointed to the Santa Rosa County Court in 2006.

He received his B.A. and his J.D. from the University of Florida. Before taking the bench, Judge Bilbrey was in private practice where he focused on civil and commercial litigation. He also served as a legal assistance attorney for the JAG Corps at the Naval Legal Service Office at NAS Pensacola.

Judge Bilbrey is active in the American Inns of Court and previously served as president of the Pensacola Chapter as well as president of the First DCA Appellate Inn, here in Tallahassee.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8824.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

American Inns of Court

English Inns of Court

Counsel to Counsel Mentoring Program [The Florida Bar]

Lawyer Advising Lawyers [The Florida Bar]

Oral Arguments Set for Proposed Amendments to Civil Procedure Rules Ahead of January Implementation [The Florida Bar]

Supreme Court Declines to Erase ‘Zealous Advocacy’ From Bar Rules [The Florida Bar]

Guidelines for Professional Conduct [The Florida Bar]

Professionalism Expectations [The Florida Bar]

Northern District of Florida [Courtroom Etiquette]

Middle District of Florida [Courtroom Decorum]

Guidelines for Professional Conduct [The Florida Bar]

Effective Brief Writing and Oral Argument: Gaining the Inside Track [The Florida Bar]

Florida Voluntary Bars

LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center