“Where ever we go, and in whatever capacity, we are viewed by the public as lawyers and held either in esteem or distain…which one depends on us.”

The words above were recently spoken by North Carolina State Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah Parker as she addressed an array of local court officials and lawyers attending “Professionalism in Practice: A Local Perspective.”

The continuing legal education program was held on Monday for lawyers from judicial districts 6A and 6B at the Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center in Jackson.

Chief Justice Parker shared her thoughts on the word “professionalism” and how it relates and encompasses several values in relation to practicing and applying the rule of law.

While there is a need for lawyers to observe the values that go along with professionalism, there is a great need for others in different trades to do so as well.

We often don’t think much about it, but we are defined by what we do for a living.

Even more so, we are defined by how we present and handle ourselves while at work. This applies to every person in every trade; from truck drivers to doctors to food service workers to secretaries.

Everyone should be proud of what they do and think of how they can better their skills and present themselves in a professional light.

Even if you are not happy with the trade in which you are in, there should still be a sense of accomplishment and a notion that it is your duty to be efficient.

The values of professionalism can take you a long way in any job, trade or career.