by Daniel DeWoskin
President, DeKalb Bar Association
atlantatrial.com

I am a cynic. I cannot deny it, nor would I ever try to do so. As much as anyone else does, I enjoy how alive the nation gets in an election year, watching as the most clever comedy writers explode with creativity and television editors can hardly sleep for the mining of the gold that takes place on the campaign trail. I can still recall in 2000 when many of my friends believed that our nation would be destroyed never to return if their candidate did not win. Many of my friends would argue that the country was irreparably destroyed. It was not.

by Daniel DeWoskin
President, DeKalb Bar Association
atlantatrial.com

Long ago, when I was a teenager, I met a man who told me that he struggled to resist the urge to judge people, but instead preferred to judge their actions. I did not realize at that time how profound that simple statement was, how much it meant for me, and how long I would remember him saying it.

by Daniel DeWoskin
President, DeKalb Bar Association
atlantatrial.com

As I watch debates among presidential candidates, read newspaper articles about which celebrity made an offensive comment and see who was offended, it occurs to me that there is a difference between political correctness and respect in general. When I was a child, there were many terms I heard people use that were not politically correct, but were certainly acceptable in everyday parlance at the time. This did not mean that these particular terms were respectful of others, or perhaps were the best choice of labels or terminology. Instead, they were simply accepted.

Recent events require a rethink of what it means to circle the wagons by Daniel DeWoskin President, DeKalb Bar Association atlantatrial.com When terrible things happen in the world, we tend to circle the wagons. This phrase generally means that we…

What The Hippocratic Oath Has to Teach Lawyers

by Daniel DeWoskin
President, DeKalb Bar Association
atlantatrial.com

At our October DeKalb Bar meeting, Gov. Roy Barnes suggested that our code as lawyers should begin something like the Hippocratic Oath, “First, do no harm.” Actually, these words do not appear in the oath itself, but instead something to the effect of “Also, I will, according to my ability and judgment, prescribe a regimen for the health of the sick; but I will utterly reject harm and mischief.” Gov. Barnes’ point was not lost on me despite my clarification here. As lawyers, we have an obligation to conduct ourselves in accordance with a code of ethics. We should not allow ourselves to stop there.

by Daniel DeWoskin
President, DeKalb Bar Association
atlantatrial.com

As practicing attorneys, many of us handle litigation that can be contentious and uncomfortable. If this is not true for us, it certainly may be true for our clients. I often say that my clients do not call me on a good day, just to say “hello” and to tell me they have no current need for a trial attorney. Occasionally, I will get calls that allow me to prevent a more serious calamity involving my client from taking place, but usually something fairly significant has taken place and my client requires immediate representation.

by Daniel DeWoskin
President, DeKalb Bar Association
atlantatrial.com

For those of you who were able to attend the last DeKalb Bar Association meeting, you heard me speak about how our organization is in a unique position to stand out as a positive force in DeKalb County at this time. If you have seen anything in the newspaper or on television regarding DeKalb County, the chances are that it has been negative. Our former CEO has been convicted of perjury and criminal attempt to commit theft by extortion. Another former commissioner was sentenced to federal prison for defrauding taxpayers. Our county is mired in concerns about corruption, misuse of taxpayer dollars, uncertainty regarding incorporation of cities, and distrust of our leaders. An anticipated report from an independent investigation into the county makes it clear that the end is not in sight.