The legal profession continues to face rapidly evolving ethical, technological and operational challenges. From client intake and conflict management to cybersecurity threats and the growing use of artificial intelligence, attorneys must navigate an increasingly complex risk landscape while maintaining compliance with the rules of professional conduct.
This CLE program presented by Heather L. Rosing examines the most significant ethical and risk management issues confronting lawyers today and provides practical strategies for reducing malpractice exposure, improving client relationships and protecting you from preventable mistakes. Participants will explore best practices for client screening, diligence & deadline management, engagement documentation, conflict analysis, client communication, trust account compliance, cybersecurity safeguards and fraud prevention.
Attorneys will learn how to:
* Implement effective diligence and deadline-management practices
* Draft and utilize engagement agreements that clearly define the scope of representation
* Recognize and analyze common conflict-of-interest scenarios involving current clients, former clients, prospective clients and third-party payors, and apply informed written consent requirements where appropriate
* Develop communication strategies that improve client satisfaction and reduce grievance and malpractice risks
* Understand trust account management responsibilities and CTAPP compliance requirements
Identify common cybersecurity threats, social engineering schemes and wire fraud scams targeting attorneys
* Evaluate ethical considerations associated with the use of generative artificial intelligence in legal practice, including competence, supervision, confidentiality, billing and client communication concerns
* Recognize emerging risks involving AI-generated content, hallucinated citations and manipulated evidence
* Apply practical risk management techniques across all stages of representation to strengthen compliance, improve client outcomes, and protect against disciplinary complaints and malpractice claims
The program also addresses emerging issues surrounding generative artificial intelligence, including attorney competence, client confidentiality, AI-generated work product, hallucinated citations, supervision responsibilities, and evolving ethical guidance governing the use of AI in legal practice. Through real-world examples, practical guidance, and discussion of applicable Rules of Professional Conduct, attendees will gain valuable tools to strengthen compliance, improve client service, and mitigate professional risk.
Whether practicing in a solo, small-firm, or large-firm environment, attorneys will leave with actionable recommendations for protecting their clients, their licenses, and their practices in an increasingly dynamic legal environment. Heather L. Rosing is a Founding Partner of Rosing Pott & Strohbehn. Ms. Rosing serves as leader in the Complex Litigation and Professional Liability Department and the Discipline Defense, Ethics, and Risk Management Department.