Judicial District Professionalism Program

XIX. Judicial District Professionalism Program

Joint effort of the Commission and the Bench and Bar Committee of the State Bar

The goal of the Judicial District Professionalism Program (JDPP) is to promote professionalism through increased communication, education, and the informal use of peer influence to alter unprofessional conduct.  It provides a vehicle to promote traditions of civility and professionalism at the local level, aimed directly at improving the profession and bolstering public confidence in the legal system.  Authorized by resolution of the Board of Governors of the State Bar and Supreme Court Rule, the JDPP is charged with the responsibility of confidentially receiving and attempting to resolve inquiries regarding questionable conduct of members of the bench and bar.  Inquiries from only lawyers and judges are referred to the JDPP.  Inquiries from clients and other members of the practice are handled by the Consumer Assistance Program or other approved State Bar programs.

JDPP is an informal, voluntary and confidential program.  The Judicial District Professionalism Program operates independently from the disciplinary system in place with the Office of General Counsel and the Judicial Qualifications Commission.  The program operates at the local level through the Judicial District Professionalism Committees.  The JDPC is composed of Board of Governors (BOG) members and judicial advisors within each of the  ten judicial districts.

Inquiries and requests for assistance from attorneys and judges are received by the chair of the Judicial District Professionalism Committee.  Upon receiving an inquiry, the chair of the JDPC calls a meeting to consider the inquiry.  The inquiring lawyer or judge  may be referred to the State Bar's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP), Fee Arbitration Program, Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP), or Law Practice Management Program.

The JDPP may address the following conduct by State Bar members:

    Unprofessional Judicial Conduct

• Incivility, bias, or conduct unbecoming a judge;
• Lack of appropriate respect or deference;
• Failure to adhere to Uniform Rules;
• Excessive delay;
• Consistent lack of preparation;
• Other conduct encompassed within the umbrella of professionalism deemed inappropriate by each Judicial District Professionalism Committee with the advice of the Judicial Advisors.

    Unprofessional Attorney Conduct

• Harassing conduct;
• Lack of appropriate respect or deference;
• Abusive discovery practices;
• Incivility, bias, or conduct unbecoming an attorney;
• Consistent lack of preparation;
• Communication problems;
• Deficient practice skills;
• Other conduct encompassed within the umbrella of professionalism deemed inappropriate by each Judicial District Professionalism Committee.

The Commission worked with the State Bar to produce a video/DVD-based program to educate Georgia lawyers and judges about the JDPP.