An aspirational code of professionalism for lawyers, judges and court staff in Madison and Bond Counties was entered as an administrative order by the 3rd Judicial Circuit during its June 12 meeting.

The code was developed by 3rd Circuit Commission on Professionalism, the Madison County Bar Association and the Tri-City Bar Association. It represents “a vision of exceptional values, not minimum ethical standards,” the court said.

The basic premise of the code is that lawyers, judges and court personnel must maintain a professional environment to better serve the needs of citizens who rely on the court system to resolve disputes, to determine rights and responsibilities, and to punish and deter crime.

The 10 goals of the code range from the level of preparation and punctuality in court proceedings to education of the public and volunteering to help provide representation for the poor and disabled.

Each goal is fully described in an attachment to the court order. The titles are:

1. We will be respectful, polite and courteous.

2. We will be cooperative with others.

3. We will strive to increase public confidence in the legal professions.

4. We will use fair tactics.

5. We will be prepared and punctual.

6. We will keep our promises.

7. We will present ourselves in a professional manner.

8. We will serve out clients.

9. We will serve the bench and bar.

10. We will serve our community.

The 3rd Circuit Commission presented the code to the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism at its June 28 meeting, held during the ISBA Annual Meeting in St. Louis.

The circuit court plans to post the code in the Madison and Bond County Courthouses and on the 3rd Circuit Web site.

It also hopes to make the code a point of discussion with prospective lawyers as they meet with members of the Supreme Court Character and Fitness Committee, as well as first-year law students during their first weeks of classes.

For more information, contact Judge Richard Tognarelli at (618) 296-4449; Paul Marks, president of the Madison County Bar Association, at (618) 254-1127, or Jack Cranley, president of the Tri-City Bar Association, at 618-288-7788.