A few weeks ago I attended a gathering of Baltimore County trial lawyers who were eager to learn any morsel of additional information that would help them settle their cases. The title of the seminar was Make Me An Offer I Can’t Refuse!
It was interesting to observe the intelligentsia confidently expressing opinions and exchanging ideas regarding how to be more effective concerning the resolution of various cases. Most of the conversation centered around family law litigation. It was amazing to notice the instantaneous metamorphosis of the confident, assured, trial lawyers, to that of concerned, frustrated, and upset individuals. You see, at a crucial moment during the meeting a judge “MOVED THEIR CHEESE.” The frustration concerning the anticipated change had the aroma of Limburger. As you are aware, I am talking about the “new” scheduling/assignment system. It seems that those in charge of effectively scheduling and resolving the many cases before the Circuit Court for Baltimore County determined that the system being implemented by Anne Arundel County would best serve our current needs. In sounds greater than a stage whisper you could hear the groans and sighs from the audience. The frustration was evidenced by their body language after the audience heard this new but not so welcomed news. I noticed one judge lean over to another judge and say, “They reacted the same way with the same questions and concerns when we implemented our current DCM system.”
Many years ago, the establishment of the present assignment system seemed like a pain to many lawyers. However, amazingly, we were able to adapt to the change and even embrace it. I believe the same thing will happen with the new system as long as every one understands that we are copying another assignment system, however we will be making certain adjustments to fit Baltimore County’s specific needs.
It is important to express our views, but lets not allow our frustration regarding what may happen prevent us from having a system that will make the entire process move in a smoother, more efficient fashion.
We were told that statistics have proven that more cases are settled using this assignment method, thereby allowing more trial dates to be available when the parties are just too stubborn to listen to their lawyers.
I want to take this opportunity to thank each new and previous member who have joined (or rejoined) our Bar Association. The Mitcherlings, affectionately referred to as “the docs,” did a great job concerning our holiday party. I look forward to seeing all of you at this year’s banquet on January 30, 2006. I wish each of you a happy New Year. Please don’t make too many resolutions. If you can make one positive change in your life it is a tremendous victory. We are all creatures of habit and, as previously stated, we do get upset when someone moves our cheese.