Do Personal Insults by Opposing Lawyers Matter?
Below is a list of verbatim quotes from a longtime lawyer, defending in a civil case. I have removed some context because in most instances the context involved the actual case. But these are verbatim quotes.
After calling me “Andy”
“by the way only my Gay friends call me __________________, so I guess that is ok if you do!!! Not that there is anything wrong with that.”
“Andy, there is just no other word for it, you are a punk. Little man problem. [Actual case-related stuff removed]. I am tired of your self esteem issues. Get some help.”
[My response among other things said this is sad, and referred to his previous comment about sexual orientation as being similarly inappropriate]
“Touchy on the Gay issue, eh. I just said if you were going to call me _____________, it’s was ok as that what my Gay friends call me. A little insecure on that issue?”
My response (that is not case related): “Actually _______ my point was that it’s sad anyone in this decade believes it’s appropriate to use sexual orientation in a derogatory or bullying way, which is exactly what you continue to do here. Thus proving my point.”
“You are the a classic Woke. I need not defend my acceptance of all people, except punks. I was active in the gay rights movement before you were born.
You are just plain weird and uptight. I actually feel sorry for you. Truly.”
Response to female attorney regarding future communications:
“You are NOT the boss of me anyway. Have a great weekend. Running in your Spandex, might want to reconsider that outfit!!”
My question is, does this matter? Does the profession care about whether or not lawyers make comments like this in private settings directed at other lawyers? I’m genuinely curious what people think.