Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Texas Lawyer’s Creed.

A Creed that was born out of the Rambo tactics of the 1980’s.  There was a time when Dallas was the epicenter of selfish lawyering.  Lawyering that fueled negative publicity, validated the punchline of so many jokes, and confirmed the perception that lawyers were not to be trusted.  Because many weren’t.  Those lawyers made it to where even attorneys couldn't trust one another.  And so, the Texas Lawyer's Creed was born to address the problem.

It is an important reminder to times that weren’t too long ago.  But it is also a symbol of everything that Texas Lawyer’s are.  It is crucial every client knows of it and the strict adherence to it by all but a few.  Our adherence to it is contrary to the public persona we are far too often associated with, and to the often hilarious jokes we hear.  It is important to remind ourselves that we are in an incredibly noble profession, that we are in the service industry, to our clients, to our colleagues, our judges, and to the bar.  

The Texas Lawyer’s Creed reminds us to listen to that voice inside of us, that tells us to do the right thing even if it’s not in our best interest or when it’s easier to ignore it.  Listening to that voice builds our reputation, it garners respect, and it alters perceptions.  

On it's 25th Anniversary, we should take a minute to appreciate the choices we’ve made, the times we were helped out because of our Creed, by a court clerk, by a judge, a paralegal, an opposing counselor, a senior attorney, a vendor, a member of various support staff, whomever, and how it made us feel.  

Then remember, to always pay it forward.

For a link to the Texas Lawyer's Creed click here.