Hot Topics in Legal Ethics: From AI to Client Communication (and Everything In Between)

Hot Topics in Legal Ethics: From AI to Client Communication (and Everything In Between)

This engaging ethics CLE seminar explores key responsibilities under the ABA Rules of Professional Conduct, with a focus on client communication, fee agreements, and the proper management of trust accounts. The program will also address the ethical considerations and best practices for integrating artificial intelligence into legal practice, including a focus on how courts are responding to lawyers using artificial intelligence. Participants will gain practical guidance on navigating the evolving challenges of legal practice while maintaining ethical integrity. Ideal for attorneys in all practice areas, this program provides valuable insights and actionable takeaways to help lawyers meet their ethical obligations and strengthen their practice.

Topics covered include:

Legal EthicsLaw Practice

Agenda:

• Introduction
  • Information about the speaker and the agenda


• Client Communication – Rule 1.4
  • Understanding your obligations under the Rules of Professional Conduct, maintaining transparency, managing client expectations to foster trust and minimize misunderstandings, and a discussion on best practices


• Fee Agreements – Rule 1.5
  • A detailed look at the Model Rule on fee agreements to ensure compliance, best practices for drafting clear, ethical fee agreements, and an overview of the various types of fee agreements used between attorneys and clients


• Trust Accounts
  • Guidance on properly handling client funds, maintaining compliance with trust accounting requirements, and avoiding mismanagement, misappropriation, or commingling


• Artificial Intelligence
  • Exploring how AI tools can be used effectively and responsibly in legal practice while maintaining client confidentiality, competence, and diligence
  • The discussion will also include information on how courts are reacting to lawyers’ use of artificial intelligence in legal pleadings before the court


• Questions & Answers (as time permits)

Duration of this webinar:60 minutes