Professionalism Matters

Professionalism Matters CLE & Dinner

DATE: October 28, 2026
5:00 p.m. - Social | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - CLE
LOCATION: My Neighbor Felix (In-person only)

Fee: $60 - ACBA Member
$80 - Non-Member
CLE Credit:  Pending approval for 2 CLE credits 

Register by 10/22.

Speakers: Justice Susan Blanco & Magistrate Judge Kathryn Starnella 

Moderator: Judge Elizabeth Weishaupl (ret.)

This presentation explores the shared responsibility attorneys, judges, and citizens hold in protecting democracy and sustaining the rule of law—three distinct seats at a common table.

• From the attorney’s seat, we consider the role of advocacy grounded in honesty, professionalism, and trust. Attorneys support the legitimacy of the judicial system not only by championing their clients’ positions, but by doing so with candor toward the court and a commitment to fair progression even in cases that challenge their personal views.  Using the professional rules/judicial canons, discussion around our ethics and how that supports legitimacy in the rule of law.
• From the citizen’s seat, we examine the state of our collective civic identity. Are empathy and curiosity fading from public discourse? How does that affect trust in democratic institutions, including the judiciary? We will discuss how citizens can create and participate in spaces that welcome differing perspectives, encourage listening for understanding, and promote meaningful engagement with democratic values.
• From the judicial seat, we explore how judges can model integrity, neutrality, and openness to multiple viewpoints. This includes fostering trust through clear explanation of legal reasoning, ensuring due process, acknowledging the various stakeholders affected by courtroom decisions, and making the work of the judiciary accessible and understandable. Judges shape courtroom culture, and with intentionality, they can create space that promotes transparency, fairness, and inclusion.

Together, these three seats form a shared table where the preservation of democracy relies not on one role alone, but on the collective commitment of all participants.  All three seats have power—this is also an exploration of what to do with a seat of influence.