Have you ever suffered an out-of-body experience while on the phone with an opposing counsel full-on screaming at you and wondered, “How on earth did I get here?” You wouldn’t be the only one. You’re not the only one. Coming into the home stretch of my second year in practice, it’s clear why the Florida Bar includes a civility oath when you swear into the bar.

On Sept. 12, 2011, the Florida Supreme Court revised the oath of attorney, recognizing concerns about acts of incivility among members of the legal profession. Since that date, attorneys in Florida have sworn, “To opposing parties and their counsel, I pledge fairness, integrity, and civility, not only in court but also in all written and oral communications.”