Ethics Update for Virginia Lawyers 2024

Why Attend?

• Hear from leading Ethics authorities in Virginia: VSB Bar Counsel Renu Brennan, VSB Ethics Counsel Emily Hedrick, and VSB Senior Assistant Bar Counsel Elizabeth K. Shoenfeld
• Review the most significant disciplinary cases from the past year, rule and procedural changes, and hot topics
• Virginia CLE®’s most popular program—well over 1,000 attendees every year!

Legal ethics is now one of the most dynamic and difficult areas of law. Every year, there are significant changes to and new interpretations of existing ethics rules, all of which can profoundly affect your daily practice. This seminar will help you keep up to date and avoid potential ethics traps.

Topics covered include:

Hot Topics in the Law of Ethics

• AI—technology developments and technology competence
• Limits on assisting a client with communication with a represented opposing party under Rule 4.2—DC Opinion 385
• Rule 1.9 conflicts after a joint representation—representing one spouse in a divorce when the lawyer previously prepared both spouses’ estate plans—SC Opinion 23-04
• Scope of representation and when a lawyer is required to represent a client in an appeal—LEO 1880
• Office sharing and when that crosses the line into an association—ABA Formal Opinion 507
• ABA amendments to Rule 1.16 and client due diligence
• Counsel at first appearance—conflicts and scope of representation issues (JLARC report on Commonwealth’s attorneys and public defenders)
• Paraprofessional licensing and First Amendment challenges to UPL rules in New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina

Review of the Most Significant Disciplinary Cases from the Past Year, Plus Rule and Procedural Changes

• Disciplinary statistics
• Competency, neglect and abandonment of client matters, failure to communicate
• Fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation
• Trust account and fee issues
• Noncompliance with terms
• Criminal conduct and convictions
• Impairment investigations and receiverships
• Appeals

ATTENDING IN PERSON?

The Bobzien-Gaither Education Center in Richmond/Innsbrook is our new state-of-the-art facility designed with your safety in mind. It features a Centurion air filtration system, which quickly and effectively eliminates viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the facility is thoroughly cleaned before each seminar, and face masks and hand sanitizer will be available.

COVID-19 POLICY FOR LIVE-ON-SITE ATTENDANCE

By attending a live-on-site Virginia CLE^® seminar, you acknowledge the health risks associated with COVID-19 and that you MUST follow all Virginia CLE^® COVID-19 policies. You may NOT attend a live-on-site program if you have tested positive for COVID-19, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if you are under any self-quarantine orders per CDC guidelines.

Registration Deadlines:

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/transfer requests will be honored until 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the seminar. You will, however, be charged $40 if you cancel or transfer your registration to a different seminar after the link to the materials has been e-mailed by Virginia CLE^®.

Full refunds or transfers are available up to two days after a webcast in the unlikely event that you experience technical difficulties.

Dietary Restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions and are attending the seminar in person, please email deanna.mcglothlin@vacle.org.

Inclement Weather Policy and Updates.

MCLE Credit Caveat: The MCLE Board measures credits by the time you spend in attendance. If you enter a seminar late or leave it early, or both, you must reflect those adjustments accurately in the credits you report on your credit reporting form. A code will be given at the end of the seminar, which must be written on your MCLE form.

Can’t Attend?

E-mail distance_ed@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program is made available as an online or USB seminar.
E-mail publications@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program’s seminar materials are made available for sale.