Professionalism serves as a constant in the legal profession but its potential benefits remain untapped. Among practicing attorneys, professionalism vacillates in between a theoretical concept and the more mundane aspect of working in a law firm environment. We study the topic in law school, abide by the Model Rules of Professional Conduct in our careers, are warned by our bosses of the consequences of acting in a manner not deemed professional. But can embracing professionalism elevate us in our own careers? Can professionalism uplift the legal community as a whole? Can professionalism serve as an omnipotent guidepost to attorneys across the spectrum?

Gregory Gallopoulos, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for General Dynamics and selected keynote speaker for the upcoming 13th Annual SuperConference, seems to thinks so. In his speech entitled "The Power of Professionalism" that addresses in-house attorneys across the country at the SuperConference, Mr. Gallopoulos plans to explore the nexus between professionalism and personal success. In doing so, he simultaneously reframes professionalism from an abstract notion to a philosophy encompassing the hallmarks of law, as well as brings a sense of vigor back to the legal field.

In an interview with me regarding his speech, Mr. Gallopoulos explicated on professionalism, its upsides and consequences and how he envisions the legal industry. He identified key attributes of a professional in the legal industry as one who renders objective and independent counsel, free of barriers. The professional in her legal capacity is one with a mastery of legal knowledge and an adherence to ethical standards that are more rigorous than the norms.

In his analysis of how an attorney can embrace professionalism. Mr. Gallopoulos stressed the commerce-dominated world the attorney inhabits. He theorized that the legal professional must act intentionally in the interest of the law over monetary and ancillary factors. Moreover, the legal professional must constantly ensure her own independence-- while attorneys owe a duty of loyalty to their clients, they cannot be dominated by their clients’ interests. Rather, they must strive to be objective and render advice based on the situational circumstances.

If the attorney is successful in doing so, she will enact the role of a professional as opposed to just an employee. Mr. Gallopoulos distinguished the two based on the professional’s obligations to the ethical standards of the profession that transcend employee duties. For instance, the professional's advice cannot be tied to the employer-employee relationship if it is truly objective and independent. Instead, the lawyer's obligation to the legal system supersedes that to his workplace.

Mr. Gallopoulos argued that the benefits are twofold in that attorneys who conduct themselves professionally empower themselves in the workplace. By providing objective and independent counsel and assisting others, an attorney can gain stature that leaves her qualified, in turn safeguarding her job security. Secondly, the attorney can also earn personal success when acting in a professional manner. Mr. Gallopoulos stressed the personal satisfaction that comes from contributing to the profession and earning the approval of one's peers.  He also established the common sense argument that the sought-after attorney is one who has impeccable judgment-- that which is independent and objective.

But there are difficulties associated with acting in a professional capacity and Mr. Gallopoulos acknowledged this. The reality is that the world may not be prepared to hear independent and objective advice, regardless of whether these attributes may be the essence of the profession. However, Mr. Gallopoulos suggested that the competent lawyer can provide counsel to her clients with a sense of empathy that displays a commitment to assisting the client.

The question of whether professionalism serves a purpose in the contemporary legal setting still remains.  Mr. Gallopoulos readily pointed out that though it is far too easy to focus on pension plans and billable hours, the law is more than a means of earning livelihood. In his interactions with young attorneys, many of whom appear unhappy practicing law, he has noticed a failure to make professionalism a priority which would have provided them with a sense of contentment. In today's evolving legal profession which has been affected by the failing economy, he urges attorneys to take the road less travelled and maintain professionalism, thereby contributing to the legal profession as a whole. In his portrait of professionalism, he depicted a structured legal profession that will flourish when its own thinking and methodology is shared and promoted by attorneys alike.

Interview authored by S. Merchant