Post by Atherton Galardi Mullen & Reeder PLLC

Atherton Galardi Mullen & Reeder is honored to work with state and federal judges, the Bolch Judicial Institute, and others on a series of non-partisan programs which defend the judiciary against improper attacks. As part of these programs, Scott Atherton joined U.S. District Judges Robin Rosenberg, Beth Bloom, and Paul Grimm (Ret.) to create a free Florida Bar-approved ethics CLE titled "Your Ethical Duty to Defend the Judiciary and Promote Civility." Produced by the Bolch Judicial Institute, this free CLE offering .5 ethics credit hours is available on The Florida Bar website by clicking the link below: https://lnkd.in/dbwiTUfT The Florida Bar News article at the link below titled "New Program Examines Lawyers' Ethical Duty to Defend the Judiciary" summarizes some of this CLE’s content. Please consider watching this brief free CLE or reading the short but important Florida Bar News article below. Together, they explain the types of attacks judges are facing and how private lawyers can help address them. For example, this CLE provides concrete examples of how private lawyers can engage in non-partisan, de-escalating discussions with friends, family members, and members of the public who may cross the line from fair First Amendment criticism of a judicial ruling to an unfair or unjust attack on a judge which may threaten or erode the rule of law. This CLE also explains several existing opportunities for attorneys who want to work with or on behalf of the courts to help defend the judiciary and discusses some of the ethics rules which may apply when lawyers learn of an improper judicial attack. Judicial ethics rules generally prohibit judges from speaking out to defend themselves. As a result, it is up to private lawyers, community leaders, and citizens to learn how we can and should speak up for them. Please consider reviewing these materials and forwarding them to anyone who might be interested in learning more about this critical cause. 🔗 "New Program Examines Lawyers' Ethical Duty to Defend the Judiciary”: https://lnkd.in/enF9HCr6