Walking the Ethical Tightrope: The Supreme Court of Georgia Finds the Thin Line Between Professional Misconduct and Personal Mistakes

Authors

A. Lane Hammond

Publication Date

5-28-2025

Document Type

Casenote

Abstract

When does a lawyer’s misconduct outside the courtroom affect their licensed status? This question has become increasingly relevant in the legal profession where the line between personal and professional conduct is thin. To a law student nearing the character and fitness portion of the Georgia Bar, that answer feels like, “Always.” Some practicing attorneys may emphatically answer, “Never.” Attorneys are expected to follow the highest ethical standards, but the reality is that many make ethical mistakes in the practice of law and in their personal lives. The challenge of determining which of these mistakes the Supreme Court of Georgia can discipline arises when the nature of the mistake does not fit neatly in either category.

Recommended Citation

Hammond, A. Lane (2025) "Walking the Ethical Tightrope: The Supreme Court of Georgia Finds the Thin Line Between Professional Misconduct and Personal Mistakes," Mercer Law Review: Vol. 76: No. 3, Article 20.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.mercer.edu/jour_mlr/vol76/iss3/20