How to Deal with Courthouse Staff
Marie Wilcox
Staff Attorney for the Hon. Jason B. Thompson
(State Court of Fayette County)
The old expression, you catch
more flies with honey is never
more applicable than when deal-
ing with courthouse staff. Whether
it is a judge’s staff attorney, judicial
assistant, or courtroom deputy,
or clerk of court, you have to re-
member each person plays an
important role in the courthouse
“family” – being unprofessional or
disrespectful of their importance
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November 2018
to the judge may inevitably be to
your client’s detriment.
Remain Professional, Courteous
and Respectful at All Times
It goes without saying that an at-
torney should remain profession-
al, courteous, and respectful at all
times. A raised voice or inflamed
email airing frustration is never
appropriate. Be mindful that an
email can be received differently
than a courtesy phone call. Court
staff generally handles a high vol-
ume of matters and many require
immediate action. Be understand-
ing when an email is overlooked
and send follow-up emails within
a few days if your email has not
been addressed. Also remember
that when you make a representa-
tion to court staff, whether verbal