Kathleen D. Wilkinson

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania partner Kathleen D. Wilkinson and associate Jordan Freeman were speakers on a CLE Ethics Program with Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia Judge Abbe Fletman on September 21, 2024, on the subject of “Civility and Wellness” at the Philadelphia Bar Association Bench Bar. Jordan is the chair of the Young Lawyers Division and Kathleen is a past Chancellor of the bar association. Jordan discussed professional rules of conduct and the importance of mentoring young lawyers. Kathleen spoke about importance of well-being and how following the Pennsylvania Code of Civility can help lawyers avoid stressful situations. Judge Fletman, who is the Administrative Judge of the Commerce Program, provided her courtroom procedures, which include professionalism and civility, during all aspects of a civil case, and how she deals with situations when lawyers are not cooperative with one another. The audience was very engaged and there was a lively discussion of the need for training in this area for the next generation, including how to gain trust with opposing counsel, granting extensions, and candor to the court and opposing counsel.