Balancing the Scales: Promoting Wellness and Ethics in Legal Practice

This program delves into the intricate ethical landscape that lawyers must navigate as they fulfill their professional responsibilities. Participants will engage with the Rules of Professional Conduct, exploring how these rules interface with personal conscience and the expectations inherent in the legal profession. The course will provide a thorough examination of the key ethical responsibilities lawyers hold, including their duties to clients, the legal system, and the broader community.

Through interactive case studies and guided discussions, attendees will develop skills to identify and resolve conflicts that may arise between their obligations to clients, the integrity of the legal system, and their own ethical standards. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the critical obligations to report professional misconduct, as outlined in the Rules, as well as the implications of mental impairment in legal practice. Participants will also explore the balance between zealous advocacy for clients and maintaining professional integrity, recognizing that ethical practice is essential to fostering public trust in the legal profession.

By the end of this course, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in various legal contexts and will be equipped with practical strategies to navigate these challenges effectively.

The course aims to instill a sense of ethical responsibility that not only upholds the standards of the legal profession but also contributes positively to the administration of justice.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and articulate the key ethical responsibilities outlined in the Rules of Professional Conduct
• Analyze situations where conflicts arise between a lawyer’s duties to clients, the legal system, and personal ethics
• Evaluate the criteria for reporting professional misconduct and understand the nuances of confidentiality and informed consent
• Discuss the implications of mental impairment in legal practice and the obligations of lawyers when they suspect another lawyer may be unfit to practice
• Apply ethical principles to real-world scenarios through case study analysis and group discussions

Production Date: 10/22/2024 | Closed captioning (CC) available