Breaking the Ice: Award ‘greatly meaningful’ to ethics expert Serdar

Messerli Kramer attorney George Serdar, described as an “ethical steward” and mentor to many in the firm and beyond, recently received the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Professional Excellence Award.

“There are many exceptional lawyers and judges in every corner of this state, so this recognition is greatly meaningful to me,” Serdar said.

The award recognizes attorneys who exemplify, “the highest standards in professional service, leadership and community engagement,” MSBA stated. Nominators noted Serdar’s legal skill, ethical integrity and dedication to mentoring.

Serder, who has served as a Messerli Kramer shareholder and now is of counsel, developed expertise in law firm management and ethical issues while leading the firm’s litigation group.

“Following the ethical rules is consistent with my view of, ‘Let’s do this the right way, instead of the expedient way,’” he said.

Serdar has represented firms and individual lawyers in professional responsibility and ethics matters.

“The rules of ethical responsibility are all about fairness to the clients, sorting out issues so there’s a sense of loyalty from lawyer to client that the client can rely on,” Serdar said.

Name: George Serdar

Title: Attorney, Messerli Kramer

Education: B.A., English, University of Minnesota; J.D., William Mitchell College of Law

Q: Best way to start a conversation with you?

A: Ask me about my last trip. Ask me about a favorite sports team. Ask me about my kids and grandkids.

Q: Why law school?

A: I thought of myself as a pre-law student but midway through college, I thought I’d become an academic. A few years later, I was a teacher in northeastern Michigan. I saw labor lawyers representing the teachers union, and that re-inspired me to practice law. When I was in high school, I was inspired by the work of an old-time Chicago lawyer, Clarence Darrow. I had a high school teacher whose parents knew him. I read biographies of Clarence Darrow, so he was an influence on me.

Q: What are you reading?

A: “The Light of Battle,” about D-Day. It’s centered on Dwight Eisenhower and the preparation and politics that went into D-Day.

Q: Pet peeve?

A: People who overthink and overtalk something without getting to direct action. That’s counterproductive and wasteful.

Q: Best part of your work?

A: Working in a team on a case, seeing the people involved doing good work and coming together to produce a good trial or a good transaction to the benefit of the client. Being in court has always been a big thrill, so I still get a kick out of talking in a courtroom.

Q: Most challenging?

A: There’s a lot of bobbing and weaving that goes on in litigation that can be very challenging at times and frustrating. Most of the time we get through it, but it’s often a hard slog, like walking through a muddy field in bare feet.

Q: Favorite activity away from work?

A: Travel. Spending time with my kids and grandkids. Playing golf. Riding my bike on the many nice trails in the Twin Cities.

Q: Where would you take someone visiting your hometown?

A: To part of the Chicago lakefront, on the far south side where I grew up, in a blue-collar suburb called Calumet City. You can see downtown from the beaches along Lake Michigan, a stunning view most people don’t know exists, because it’s in the heart of an industrial part of the town.

Q: Legal figure you admire?

A: Clarence Darrow. Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, another Chicago boy. Admired his work and his way of looking at the law and society.

Q: Misconception about your work?

A: That for a lawyer to be effective, especially a litigator or trial lawyer, that you have to have this mad dog personality. It’s just not true. Especially in the Twin Cities. Judges and juries don’t take very well to that approach.

Q: Favorite book, movie or TV show about lawyers?

A: Scott Turow’s “Presumed Innocent” and his writing in general. His books are the most accurate rendition of what happens in a courtroom and what happens in preparation to get there.