Maintaining an Ethical Compass as an Attorney

Ethical conduct lies at the heart of being a lawyer. The daily pressures encountered in the legal profession can sometimes lead to a loss of focus on ethical principles, particularly the more nuanced ones. This course serves as a refresher, revisiting these ethical principles while addressing the emergence of new ethical concerns brought about by technological advancements.

It is common to hear about attorneys facing allegations of ethical breaches. This course serves as a reminder that, in law, how the game is played matters just as much as winning. The allure of money, power, publicity, and notoriety often tempt lawyers. By taking this course, practitioners can receive guidance on maintaining a moral and ethical compass while also gaining awareness of ethical issues stemming from contemporary developments like social media and artificial intelligence.

Designed for attorneys of all experience levels, this course offers a comprehensive review of ethical issues that can arise in everyday law practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key concepts of legal ethics, including the ABA’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct and state versions, more specific guidelines underlying the rules of conduct, and Federal and State Court rules
• Evaluate the rules and regulations governing attorney conduct, including rules governing handling of client funds, court rules of other entities requiring separate admission, such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 
• Explain how to avoid ethical problems
• Recognize newer ways to get into ethical trouble, including using and abusing social media and artificial intelligence
• Develop and maintain an ethical compass and some guidance on recognizing, analyzing, and dealing with ethical issues
• Deal with ethical issues, which begins with developing a mindset that puts integrity, honor, and professional obligation over all else