Page 31 - FDCCFlyer_Winter2022

FDCC News
Marc Harwell
Harwell Law Group, PLLC Chattanooga, TN
Civility is the
core of the FDCC. Our Admission’s Committee screens all applicants with a goal of maintaining the strength of our membership. Civility
Whether we are members as defense lawyers or corporate counsel, our legal business is best served if civility is always practiced and emphasized. Our effectiveness as advocates, as mediators, and as corporate leaders is based upon our ability to communicate, influence, lead, interact, and motivate. None of these actions can be well and regularly achieved without an attitude and approach that are
Our effectiveness as advocates, as mediators, and as corporate leaders is based upon our ability to communicate, influence, lead, interact, and motivate.
governed and guided by a civil underpinning. Respect is a crucial element to such achievement. One cannot reasonably expect to be respected unless one displays respect for another through at least a civil attitude.
Our Executive Director, Bernie Heinze, recently gave a speech where he introduced me to the “Platinum Rule” which is, “Put yourself in their shoes and treat others the way they want to be treated.” I think that civility lies at the heart of this rule because we all want to be treated with respect, with dignity.
During this time in world history when our politicians, journalists, academics, etc., are yelling so loudly, denouncing so roundly, and promoting division so effectively, our opportunities to lead by example and to offer an alternate way of communicating and dealing are ever present.
Mike Glascott implemented FedCivility during his term as President to emphasize the importance of this character element or trait, to keep us ever mindful of the need to cultivate this quality, and to ensure that our membership continues to enjoy and appreciate the benefits that it brings to those who practice it and experience it.
During a Plenary Session at our Annual Meeting in 2021, Don
Myles told a story that I think well illustrates civility in practice. An experienced attorney who had a terrible reputation confronted Don. Don invited the attorney to chat with him over a glass of wine. Don used this “ice breaker” to begin a relationship and to lead by example. The tone mattered. The sincerity mattered. Civility in all dealings was at Don’s core.
May we do likewise. God bless.
FDCC Defense Counsel Member Marc Harwell is founder of the Harwell Law Group in Chattanooga, TN, and Convention Chair of the FDCC’s Winter 2022 Meeting. Contact him at: marc@harwelllawgroup.com.
is a source of that strength.
Civility is at the heart of our Mission Statement. Consider the following: “We are ... dedicated to leading
the profession by advancing
the principles of integrity, professionalism, fair civil justice, ..., and fostering the trust and value of fellowship.”
“Political civility is not about being polite to each other. It’s about reclaiming the power of
‘We the People’ to come together, debate the common good and
call American democracy back
to its highest values amid our differences.” (Parker Palmer). In my experience with the FDCC, I have seen many issues debated with strong differences of opinion/ conviction expressed, and for
the most part, I have seen our members remain respectful, even appreciative, of the genuine discourse.
P.T. Barnum once said, “politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business. Large stores, gilt signs, flaming advertisements, will all prove unavailing if you or your employees treat your patrons abruptly. The truth is the more kind and liberal a man is, the more generous will be the patronage bestowed upon him.”
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