Legal Ethics Authority John T. Berry Presents Professionalism Workshop at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell

MIAMI - July 10, 2014 - PRLog -- John T. Berry, Legal Division Director for The Florida Bar, recently spoke about  responsibility, professionalism, and pro bono service during a special seminar at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell in Miami.

Viewed as one of the country’s most distinguished leaders in legal ethics, Berry spoke to a group of invited attorneys, members of Dade Legal Aid, and other legal professionals about the impact that lawyers have on society.  He discussed the connection between the lawyer as both a human being and a practitioner while underscoring the need for morality and a work - life balance. Ultimately, Berry concluded, the unique leadership role that lawyers hold in our society effects the public standing of the profession itself.  If lawyers don’t maintain high standards, the public will see lawyers as a problem and they will think the legal system flawed in a grander way.  Accordingly, Berry emphasizes every lawyer has an important role to play in elevating the profession.

Before Berry’s presentation began, Rumberger was presented with a Certificate of appreciation by Dade Legal Aid for "helping those who have nowhere else to turn for legal assistance." The recognition was made by Karen Josefsberg Ladis, Executive Director of Dade Legal Aid.

“We are seriously committed to the professional development of our attorneys at Rumberger, and we plan to host more inspiring seminars like the one with John Berry on a regular basis,” said Scott Sarason, Administrative Partner of Rumberger’s Miami office. “We were recently pleased to announce the addition of prominent litigator Paul Lipton as the firm’s Director of Professionalism, Career and Skill Development. He has already made a huge impact on the firm’s culture by mentoring associates with honing their skills, building their brand, and finding personal as well as professional growth in becoming successful attorneys.”

Berry has a distinguished career in law highlighted by his notable achievements in legal ethics. In his position with The Florida Bar, he supervises lawyer regulation and professionalism efforts. He is highly sought-after lecturer throughout the nation and around the world on ethics and professionalism. In addition, Berry is responsible for the establishment of The Florida Bar and the State Bar of Arizona’s Professional Enhancement Program (ethics school) where he participated as a main lecturer. He has also served as a member of more than a dozen consulting teams to other states evaluating their ethics and professionalism efforts.  “His presentation was inspiring and a positive reminder of how proud we are to be members of the legal profession and how much we can all do to make it better,”  added Sarason.

Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell provides litigation and counseling services in a wide range of civil practice areas including product liability, securities, banking and financial services litigation, commercial litigation, real estate and construction litigation, intellectual property, litigation, environmental, labor and employment law, insurance coverage, professional liability, bankruptcy, and administrative law. Offices are located in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Tallahassee, Fla. and Birmingham, Ala. For more information, please visit www.rumberger.com.