Effective billing practices are an important part of legal practice, as they are critical for getting paid. Clients expect and deserve to know what you are charging for and why, and to only see fees that align with your written representation agreement. But what happens when your client disagrees with your fees, or refuses to pay? Your frustration with the situation might lead you to say or do something you later regret – and possibly result in a bar complaint. How do you go about getting on the same page as your clients so as to avoid future misunderstandings? What habits can you put into place to ensure that your billing practices are ethical and efficient? This webcast explores the ethical components of billing in the legal profession, highlighting various billing methods and effective billing strategies, while identifying unethical practices to avoid.

The attorney-client privilege is a sacred aspect of the attorney-client relationship; it enables the client to make full disclosures and assists the lawyer in better representing the client’s interests. One of the chief ways this protection is lost, however, is through a waiver. How do these waivers, intentional or inadvertent, come about, and how can you protect against them? This program will help you to better understand the various kinds of privilege waivers, including express, implied, and subject-matter waivers; the circumstances that trigger them; and your disclosure obligations post-waiver.

Do you use Zoom? Does Alexa play music in your home office? Are you working in the cloud? These questions became ubiquitous during the pandemic and compelled the legal profession to dramatically increase its use of technology with long-lasting impact. While lawyers once hastily incorporated and embraced these changes, that did not negate the ongoing duties of competence, diligence, communication, and confidentiality. This webcast will look at some of the technologies in regular use by attorneys, clients, government agencies, and even court systems. It will explore the ethical issues that may arise when one wanders into unexplored tech terrain without the proper guidance. Issues such as maintaining confidentiality of information, increasing the security of communication, and what measures constitute diligence and reasonable efforts on the part of a lawyer will all be discussed using “ripped from the headlines” examples.

Like many professionals since the onset of the pandemic, lawyers are on the move. Whether in search of better work-life balance (such as scheduling flexibility or working remotely), higher compensation, or to switch between private practice, in-house, or a government position, the legal industry has also been hit by the “Great Resignation.” When changing jobs, client confidentiality, conflicts, communication, and diligence all must be considered – by the lawyer who is contemplating changing jobs and by both the current firm or employer, as well as the firm, government agency, or company they are joining. The proper handling of files, fees, and the exchange of confidential client information for purposes of conflict checking must also be addressed. And then there are the clients: When must they be told so that they make informed decisions about whether to remain with one firm, move to the other, or select entirely different counsel? Additional unique issues may arise when lawyers join or leave government employment and for judicial officers and other neutrals considering job changes. This program covers the key ethical and contractual issues faced by lawyers who are considering changing jobs, as well as the issues facing their current and prospective employers.

This conference will benefit any land use, zoning, or real estate lawyer - particularly those who may be involved in an eminent domain dispute; appraisers; property valuation consultants; constitutional law enthusiasts; and municipal/local government lawyers. Exploring a full range of cutting-edge issues and drawing professionals from across the country, this annual conference is “the place to be” for all eminent domain and land use practitioners. Whether your interests include relocation, regulatory takings, inverse condemnation, or valuation issues, topics abound for everyone through a customizable curriculum. Experienced practitioner? Choose from dual afternoon tracks addressing key issues in substantive takings law, or choose from an array of sessions chock full of practice pointers. New to eminent domain practice, or need a refresher? Attend the Condemnation 101 sessions on Thursday -- this year themed as "The Basics of Assessing, Proving, and Pursuing Just Compensation" -- and then join the other attendees for the rest of the conference’s more advanced sessions. This year’s panels bring diverse voices to the conversation. With nearly 60 speakers from across the country, you’ll get perspectives and insights from the private and public bar, non-profit law firms, appraisers, law professors, trial presentation specialists, investment advisors, and a mediator. With over 30 presentations in 2.5 days, highlighted topics include: Tyler v. Hennepin County and the inside story of the major shift in the Supreme Court’s approach to property The independent role of state courts in protecting property rights The rewards of breaking out of your old routine (ethics) Owner testimony, severance damages, and the role of state substantive property law in Natural Gas Act takings cases Barron v. Baltimore (1833): How the Supreme Court’s first major takings case diminished the Bill of Rights Demystifying appraisal practice for juries and clients

Participants will examine cultural perceptions of addiction, recognize the significance of mental health for legal professionals, and explore the dynamics within families impacted by addiction.

Lawyers often get asked to represent multiple parties in the same matter. Joint representation of related parties – such as business partners, family members, or work colleagues – might allow for cost savings and certain efficiencies, but can also involve a number of potentially complex legal issues – especially ethical ones! This practical program will explain how to assess and resolve the risks that commonly arise in joint representations, including the essential determination of whether you can competently represent both parties. Learn how to identify and manage potential conflicts early on, address privilege and confidentiality issues, and resolve disagreements among your clients.

Third-party litigation financing has become big business in the United States, potentially influencing whether certain cases go to trial or get settled. It also raises a host of ethical issues for the lawyers involved. While Insurance companies have financed the defense side of litigation for 150 years, contingency fee law firms have financed litigation through partnerships, joint ventures, and bank loans.

Technology and the pandemic have changed both the way we work and where we can do so. Smart phones, laptops, cloud storage, and virtual meeting platforms enable attorneys the flexibility to work from their homes (whether primary, vacation, or otherwise) or even while in transit. When the services you provide cross into a state that you don’t have a law license in – whether through physical or virtual presence – your law practice not only becomes multijurisdictional, but may also be unauthorized and in violation of the ethics rules.

Generative artificial intelligence (“GenAI” or “GAI”), including ChatGPT, has now widely permeated our lives for nearly a year. GAI is not just embedded in headlines and popular culture, but increasingly in platforms utilized by attorneys and their clients. While some have rushed to start using it in hopes of automating document reviews, crafting first drafts of contracts, or performing legal research, others are wary of its accuracy and ability to preserve the confidentiality of client information. How do we preserve the integrity of our profession and the critical services attorneys provide while learning how to embrace the possibilities of enhanced efficiency, productivity, and profitability? How do you identify and assess the risks and then mitigate them, and what could happen if you don’t? GAI and other technologies are here to stay, so now is the time to understand the opportunities and risks of incorporating GAI into your practice.