Ninth Circuit Judge Bridget Bade says you can approach civility either as a matter of principle or pragmatism.

Speaking to a group of law students last year, she gave examples of each approach: When she joined the Ninth Circuit a few years ago, she said a number of her new colleagues called, sent messages, or paid her a visit—generally going out of their way to welcome her to the court. “I think that that emanated from their character, and how they think it is appropriate to interact with colleagues, even if it’s somebody with whom you might disagree on very important issues,” Bade said.