Civility was, historically, a trademark of the legal profession. For years, lawyers such as Abraham Lincoln and Thurgood Marshall—notorious for their fierce advocacy and great legal minds—epitomized this hallmark. The remarkable characteristics of these legal giants were portrayed on TV and in films by characters like Atticus Finch and Perry Mason.

Nowadays, civility is often substituted for hostility. The Perry Masons of the world have long been eclipsed by the likes of Harvey Specter (Suits), Jack McCoy (Law & Order), and Patty Hewes (Damages). These fictional TV characters, albeit different in many ways, are similar in their “take no prisoners” approach to the practice of law. Scenes that once depicted clever presentations of evidence have been traded for bullish behavior and fiery exchanges. Yes, these portrayals are fictional and sensationalized, but they also represent a cultural shift in the legal profession where civility is often an afterthought, and sometimes not a thought at all.