A few months ago, I wrote an InsidePerspectives column (see “Higher Standards,” November 2008) urging a community-based approach to raising awareness of ethical issues in-house counsel face. My commitment to this idea was tested when InsideCounsel asked me to participate in its new ethics column. I am not an accomplished writer on this topic, but I have a concern that in-house counsel tend to relegate ethics proficiency to remote positions on their “to-do” lists.
For some the content in this column will be familiar, but I urge you to view it as a necessary review. Remember, the in-house counsel who found themselves entangled in high-profile ethical and legal difficulties were seasoned corporate counsel (see “Under Scrutiny,” June 2008). Clearly, this subject matter becomes more critical as we progress in our careers. For those new to the in-house practice, I hope this column will serve as a syllabus for your ethics training.
