Legal ethics can be a touchy subject.  All practicing attorneys are bound by ethical rules, but there are few that really understand those rules, or for that matter, how to apply those rules to their every day practices.
 
Some of the rules are straightforward, and based on common sense.  We all know that we should not steal from our trust account, or date clients.  But the ethical rules address a myriad of topics, and can be subtle and nuanced.  In addition, the American Bar Association and State bars are not hesitant about adopting amendments to the existing rules, further confusing the issue.
 
We are all human, and we all make mistakes and errors in judgment.  Even the most experienced attorneys can find themselves on the wrong side of an ethical dilemma, or the victim of a lack of knowledge when it comes to ethical rules and their application.
 
As with most things in life, knowledge is power when it comes to the rules of ethics.  The key to complying with the rules, and maintaining your license, is to understand the rules, and why they were adopted, as well as their application in real-world situations.
 
Many states have adopted the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, or at least have based a good part of their rules on the corresponding provisions of the Model Rules.  Therefore, a thorough understanding of the Model Rules will go a long way in helping you to avoid ethical problems, and in understanding the specific rules adopted by your State bar.
 
Please join CCM for a critical and timely audio conference, Legal Ethics Best Practices, on the issue of ethics in legal practice.  Among other things, you will learn about recent changes to the ABA Model Rules that every lawyer needs to understand.