Washington (WA) Ethics CLE Course Catalog

It’s hard to believe, but the lyrics to the David Bowie songs give lawyers a chance to understand some really important ethics rules. Join the CLE Performer, Stuart Teicher, Esq., as he explains how “Changes” reveals the need to be competent and stay in touch with the changes being posed by technology (Rule 1.1), as well as key requirements in the duty to consult the client in Rule 1.4. He’ll also show how the lyrics to “Space Oddity” teach about Rule 3.6 (Trial Publicity)…and more.

My Cousin Vinny may be one of the best movies about lawyers ever made. That’s not an exaggeration…if you’re thinking about attorney ethics! The number of professional responsibility lessons one can learn from this cinematic masterpiece is incredible! Join the CLE Performer, Stuart Teicher, Esq., as he runs through this classic and covers some important ethics topics. They include: competence (Rule 1.1), confidentiality (Rule 1.6) and lies/deception (Rule 8.4), and more!

The risks of integrating AI into the practice of law are important to consider. It requires answering complex questions around bias, transparency, defensibility, and more. But, on the other side of the conversation, there’s an equally important question worth pondering over: If AI does indeed demonstrably enhance the competence of legal representation, could it then be unethical not to use AI? Join us for what is sure to be an exciting discussion featuring some of the most interesting voices at the intersection of AI and the law.

When Stuart Teicher started a Google search with the phrase “Can Lawyers…” he was shocked to see what the computer suggested as search recommendations….and he knew it would make a great CLE program about professionalism. Join the CLE Performer as he explains how lawyers are held to a higher standard, both in and out of the practice.

The COVID - 19 pandemic forced many of us to work remotely from our home offices and living rooms and while we originally thought this may be a short-term option, many organizations seeing the greater productivity with this new work format and have decided to keep it up as a long term solution. However, remote work comes with its own set of challenges, and whether it is privacy or surveillance issues, many employers need to act now to remain ethically responsible.

Lawyers used to be able to get away with playing dumb. We could conveniently ignore the misdeeds of our clients…we could keep our eyes shut. Not any more. The ABA recently issued Opinion 491 which creates a responsibility to ask questions about our client’s bad deeds…and every lawyer needs to understand. (Rules 1.6, and 1.2 also covered)

You work hard for the money, so let’s make sure you get it. This panel will discuss ethical considerations governing that all-important process: getting retained and paid by the bankruptcy estate. Aside from covering the basics of retention for young and new professionals, the panelists will address some of the myriad ethical issues governing retention and compensation that can arise, including connection disclosures, concurrent representations of insiders and expense reimbursement.

Is this program really about getting into bed with our clients? Of course….but I don’t mean sexual relationships. Well, not only sexual relationships. There are a bunch of ways that a lawyer can metaphorically get into bed with their client and all of those situations are governed by the conflicts rules in Rule 1.8. Whether it’s doing business with clients, getting a bequest from a client, or some other self-serving conflict, chances are there’s an ethical implication to doing so.

Stuart will discuss whether lawyers can accept cryptocurrencies for legal fees, Fee splitting with other lawyers, when people fight over trust account funds, and the problem of the flat fee.