Ethics Guide for Lawyers: Significant Trends and Best Practices
Overview:
The Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility of the American Bar Association (ABA) recently released a new guideline addressing the ethical obligations of lawyers who are switching firms to ensure that legal services are duly provided to clients especially during the transition period. This helps the firm and the leaving lawyer to meet halfway while protecting the clients’ interests. The move further emphasizes the need to uphold integrity and accountability among legal professionals.
In this LIVE Webcast, a seasoned panel of thought leaders and professionals brought together by The Knowledge Group will provide the audience with an in-depth discussion of the ethical obligations required of a lawyer. Speakers will analyze the recently released guidelines along with other significant developments to stay compliant in this dynamic legal climate.
Some of the major topics that will be covered in this course are:
- Ethics Guide for Lawyers – Trends and Developments
- Overview of Formal Opinion 489
- Issues and Challenges
- Best Practices
- Outlook
Agenda:
Konicek & Dillon, P.C.
- The Ethical Foundation: ABA Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4. Rules of professional conduct from the American Bar Association and the comments are simple and intuitive but ultimately provide a good foundation for ethical practice.
- Duties to the Client: It is important to remember to whom your fiduciary duty is owed. Discussion of the duty to the client not their/its insurer in many jurisdictions. It is the ethical and legal obligation of a lawyer selected by an insurer to protect the interests of the insured in the defense of a tort claim, separate and distinct from the insurer's duty to inform the insured of its position, and is not waived by mere acquiescence to the conduct of the insurer. R.C. Wegman Construction Company v. Admiral Insurance Company, 629 F.3d 724, 729 (7th Cir. 2011). A lawyer “remains bound, ...both ethically and legally, to protect the interests of the insured in the defense of the tort claim. The latter obligation is separate and distinct from the insurer's duty to inform the insured of its position, and is not waived, as defendant's argument suggests, by mere acquiescence to the conduct of the insurer.” Cowan v. Ins. Co. of North America, 22 Ill.App.3d 883, 318 N.E.2d 315, 326 (1st. Dist. 1974).
- Simple Ways to Practice Ethically and Avoid Legal Malpractice: Discussion and examples of the importance of informed consent and communication. What does the client need to know? The Professional Judgment Rule is alive and well in most jurisdictions, but the lawyer’s strategy generally must comply with state law and the lawyer should inform the client of the strategy decisions. See, e.g. Bowman v. Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman, LLP, 2007 WL 1203580 (W.D. Mich. April 24, 2007).
- Confidential Information and Cybersecurity: Explanation of the difference between the Duty of Confidentiality vs. Attorney-Client Privilege. Discussion regarding our obligations in to keep protect client information in an ever advancing technological practice. Examples of malpractice claims that can arise for failure to protect client information.
Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C.
- Refresher on the difference between the Duty of Confidentiality and the Attorney-Client Privilege:
- Confidentiality under MR 1.6 pertains to any information from any source that relates to the representation. The attorney-client privilege is much narrower than the duty of confidentiality. We will review the parameters of the differences between them.
- Confidentiality and Privilege in the Digital Age
- Because breaches of confidentiality, or waiver of the attorney-client privilege, can occur through inadvertent disclosure to third parties, the legal profession has long been concerned about dangers inherent in communication through various technological means. Yet the legal profession cannot eschew the advantages of technology. One key area of concern in regard to technology has been security. How certain can we be that our communications are secure? The same concern applies to digital storage of information, especially with the growth of cloud-based digital storage. As security measures have improved, the parameters of acceptable use of technology in the legal field has also expanded. We will discuss the evolution of standards pertaining to confidentiality and privilege in the digital age.
- Possible fodder for malpractice claims:
- Intentional or grossly negligent breaches of the duty of confidentiality have always been ripe ground for allegations of the breach of fiduciary duty in malpractice actions. With many lawyers now communicating with clients through “virtual” means, including digital video meeting places such as Zoom, there are well-publicized confidentiality concerns about such platforms. Are those publicized concerns enough to establish a new, or heightened, standard of care pertaining to “virtual” client communications? What if a lawyer has done reasonable research and made a professional determination about security? What if a lawyer carefully limits the subject matter of a “virtual” client communication to avoid discussion of highly sensitive information? To what extent does the standard of care now implicitly include training our clients about security concerns? Does the answer depend on the sophistication of the client? To what extent does, or should, the standard of care include a lawyer taking measures to protect their client against the client’s own potential mistakes?
Cozen O'Connor
- Outsourcing Legal Services
- Competence and Supervision. Lawyers have a duty to act competently in the representation of clients, and to ensure that those who are working under their supervision perform competently. To satisfy the duty of competence, a lawyer who outsources work must ensure that the tasks in question are delegated to individuals who possess the skills required to perform them, and that the individuals are appropriately supervised to ensure competent representation of the client.
- Preservation of Client Confidential Information. One of a lawyer’s core ethical duties, of course, is to safeguard her client’s information. Data security and the preservation of a client’s confidential information are the most serious ethical concerns with companies that provide outsourcing services.
- Conflicts of Interest. Ethics committees unanimously agree that law firms must guard against conflicts of interest when using outsourced providers. Lawyers must adhere to the strict and well-known rules governing conflicts of interest.
- Client Disclosure/Client Consent. Model Rule 1.6 prohibits an attorney from revealing information ‘‘relating to the representation of a client’’ absent informed consent or implied authorization from the client. The prevailing view is that an attorney must secure informed consent to release confidential information to an outsourced provider.
- Unauthorized Practice of Law. Model Rule 5.5 prohibits a lawyer from assisting in the unauthorized practice of law (“UPL”). To avoid aiding the unauthorized practice of law, the lawyer must at every step shoulder complete responsibility for the non-lawyer’s work
Who Should Attend:
- Lawyers
- Legal Assistants
- Paralegals
- Law Office Managers
Amir R. Tahmassebi is currently a partner at Konicek & Dillon and concentrates his practice in the areas of professional …
Mr. Rhodes regularly serves as an expert witness and advises attorneys and law firms in matters relating to State Bar …
William E. Gericke is a partner at Cozen O'Connor and practices in the Firm’s Legal Profession Services group. Mr. Gericke …
Course Level:
Intermediate
Advance Preparation:
Print and review course materials
Method of Presentation:
On-demand Webcast
Prerequisite:
NONE
Course Code:
148703
NY Category of CLE Credit:
Ethics and Professionalism
Total Credits:
2.0 CLE
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SPEAKERS' FIRMS:
About Konicek & Dillon, P.C.
At Konicek & Dillon, P.C., our attorneys have extensive legal and life experience to help you through the challenging issues you are facing. Catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, nursing home abuse and neglect, personal injury, legal malpractice, and business disputes can all create anxiety and stress about the future. Our lawyers will help give you peace of mind and get you back on track. Knowing that your matter is in great hands allows you to focus on getting the best possible resolution of your legal matter.
Website: http://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/
About Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C.
Jennings Strouss is dedicated to providing clients with strategic legal guidance to help them seize every opportunity. Since 1942, the firm has been well-known for its rich heritage, commitment to community, and long-lasting relationships. We have a deep understanding of business and law. When you work with us, you’ll have a team of legal experts who are dedicated to your vision of success.
Through our offices in Peoria, Phoenix, and Tucson, Arizona, and Washington, D.C., we leverage resources both regionally and nationally to serve our expanding client base. Jennings Strouss is deeply rooted in each of our locations’ legal and business communities, and especially instrumental in helping shape the dynamic growth of Arizona and many of its institutions. The firm promotes a pragmatic, results-oriented approach, coupled with a healthy, well-managed, and friendly atmosphere of collaboration. As a full-service law firm, we are ideally equipped to provide legal assistance to entities of all sizes.
Website: https://jsslaw.com/
About Cozen O'Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has more than 750 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor services its clients’ needs through 30 offices across two continents. The Firm’s Legal Profession Practice Group has invaluable experience in law firm risk management, and the law of lawyering. Whether defending a complex legal malpractice suit, navigating the conflicts issues surrounding lateral hiring and departures, drafting governance documents for a fledgling law firm, or anything in between, the Firm’s team of experienced attorneys stands ready to assist with the unique and often sensitive issues in-house counsel, outside lawyers, and law firms face.
Website: https://www.cozen.com/
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