First Friday Ethics: July 2026

Need ethics credit? We’ve got you covered! UT Law CLE’s First Friday Ethics streams live every first Friday of the month, and features some of our best ethics speakers and presentations for a total of 3.00 hrs ethics credit. Fulfill your entire annual ethics requirement in Texas in one day! Maintaining Your Ethics in Trying Times: One Lawyer’s Tale (0.75 hr ethics)Lawyers know that hard cases make bad law. Likewise, maintaining your professional ethics in a difficult situation is very different than day-to-day practice. Hear ethical perspectives and lessons learned from serving as a local elected official and a defendant in lengthy litigation while still practicing as a lawyer.Leah Stewart, Reed, Claymon, Meeker, Krienke & Spurck, PLLC - Austin, TX Ethics: My Opinion, My License – Is It a Business Decision? (0.75 hr ethics)This session reviews the ethical rules and principles that lawyers must consider when advising clients on land development issues, with a hard look at situations where a client’s mileage may vary from the legal advice given, and the outcomes to the lawyer—is the matter ultimately a risk-taking analysis, where all a lawyer can do is advise the client, leaving them the business decision to make in following (or not) the lawyer’s advice.Alan J. Bojorquez, Bojorquez Law Firm, PC - Austin, TX Kimberley Mickelson, Downtown Houston+ - Houston, TX Generative AI in Litigation: Practical Uses, Pitfalls, and Guardrails (1.00 hr ethics)Generative AI is rapidly reshaping litigation for attorneys and experts—from discovery and expert analysis to drafting and research. This session explores current AI trends, provides concrete real-world use cases, and discusses the legal, ethical, and evidentiary risks that need to be managed.Kristofer Buchan, StoneTurn Group, LLP - Houston, TX Legal Privilege: Understanding Who You Represent and Avoiding Other Ethical Pitfalls (0.50 hr ethics)This topic focuses on the perennially-important ethical issues concerning how to create privilege; how to maintain it; and how, as in-house counsel, to instruct the business to maintain it. Examine (in)famous examples of where things went wrong, and advise on how to avoid similar situations.Allison Standish Miller, Steptoe LLP - Houston, TX

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Paper Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 3.00 hrs | 3.00 Ethics
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • First Friday Ethics: July 2026
    4.38 out of 5 stars
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$165   Add to Cart

Modern Oil and Gas Contracts, JOA Agreements, and Other Common Contracts and Disputes

Session 1: Agreeing to Agree: Mutuality of Obligation in Modern Oil and Gas Contracts - Modern oil and gas contracts often contemplate future cooperation between the parties and negotiation of additional agreements, which can lead to enforceability problems. Discuss essential contract formation concepts for complex oil and gas transactions, specifically regarding consideration and mutuality of obligation. The presentation will also include a review of recent cases and suggestions for avoiding common pitfalls.  Session 2: Joint Operating Agreements: Best Practices and Emerging Legal Issues - Explore key legal principles and practical considerations in structuring and negotiating JOAs in oil and gas operations. This session covers various pressing issues, including operator and non-operator rights and obligations, risk allocation, indemnity provisions, and contract modifications in the context of evolving regulatory and market conditions.   Session 3: Lessons Learned on Contract Construction Disputes - Guidance for drafting and interpreting oil & gas leases based on recent Texas Supreme Court decisions.   Session 4: Gas Trading Contracts: Force Majeure and the Fallout from Uri - Cover the basics of NAESB gas trading contracts, the legal issues that arose following Winter Storm Uri, and the NAESB Special Provisions that can make or break your case. 

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Paper Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 2.00 hrs
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Modern Oil and Gas Contracts, JOA Agreements, and Other Common Contracts and Disputes
    3.25 out of 5 stars
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    Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.
$115   Add to Cart

2026 Oil and Gas Case Law and Legislative Updates

Session 1: Case Law Update: Part One - Review the latest decisions dealing with oil and gas leases, royalties, mineral conveyances, joint operating agreements, state regulation, and related topics.  Session 2: Case Law Update: Part Two   Session 3: Texas Legislative Update - Discuss energy-related legislation that passed, and didn’t pass, during the 2025 Texas legislative sessions. 

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Paper Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 1.50 hrs
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • 2026 Oil and Gas Case Law and Legislative Updates
    4.25 out of 5 stars
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$95   Add to Cart

2026: A Rapidly Evolving Energy Landscape

A survey of the current energy markets and outlook. 

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 0.50 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • 2026: A Rapidly Evolving Energy Landscape
    5 out of 5 stars
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    Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.
$65   Add to Cart

ADR: The Optimal Business Solution to Payor-Provider Disputes

Discuss the dispute resolution provisions that allow for the use of the ADR, trends we are seeing in these disputes, the typical payor-provider disputes that lend themselves to the ADR process, and the benefits of the ADR process, including bringing trended issues to a head to get more final resolution.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 0.75 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • ADR: The Optimal Business Solution to Payor-Provider Disputes
    Not yet rated
$70   Add to Cart

AI Governance and Training Best Practices

This session examines emerging AI governance frameworks for in-house legal departments, including the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) and its implications for corporate compliance programs. The presentation explores practical approaches to AI training and acceptable use policies, evaluating the pros and cons of different governance models and equipping corporate counsel with actionable strategies for responsible AI adoption.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 0.75 hr | 0.75 Ethics
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • AI Governance and Training Best Practices
    5 out of 5 stars
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    Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.
$80   Add to Cart

Beware the Boilerplate! And Other Contract Pitfalls

Explore commonly underestimated contract provisions—including liability limitations, indemnities, insurance, assignments, and dispute resolution clauses—that can dramatically affect organizational risk exposure. Gain practical insights into negotiating and drafting these "boilerplate" terms to avoid costly pitfalls.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 1.00 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Beware the Boilerplate! And Other Contract Pitfalls
    5 out of 5 stars
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    Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.
$75   Add to Cart

Building the Plane Mid-Air: Health System Implementation and Governance of AI 

Discuss Parkland Health's journey to develop and implement a governance structure for new AI technology, even as state and federal law in this space continue to evolve.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 0.75 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Building the Plane Mid-Air: Health System Implementation and Governance of AI 
    Not yet rated
$70   Add to Cart

Business Court Update (2026)

(Almost) two years in, how goes the Court?

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Paper Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 0.50 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Business Court Update (2026)
    4.25 out of 5 stars
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    Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.
$65   Add to Cart

Construction Contracts, Lease Agreements, and Other Real Estate Contracts

Gain insight into important issues to get right in construction contracts and lease agreements relating to the development of projects and the construction of improvements. Particular attention is focused on price escalations, force majeure and supply chain impacts.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 0.75 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Construction Contracts, Lease Agreements, and Other Real Estate Contracts
    4.25 out of 5 stars
    What was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?
    Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.
$70   Add to Cart

Crisis Management and the Role of Social Media

Dust off your organization’s social media policies and ensure they are relevant for the current time. Hear how to effectively manage employees at all levels.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 0.75 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Crisis Management and the Role of Social Media
    5 out of 5 stars
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    Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.
$70   Add to Cart

Cybersecurity Litigation and Enforcement

A concise, practical briefing on the latest developments in cybersecurity litigation and enforcement. Gain insight and practical advice on defending common claims and on how to prepare for—and navigate—regulatory investigations.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 0.75 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Cybersecurity Litigation and Enforcement
    Not yet rated
$70   Add to Cart

Employment Law Update (2026)

Hear the latest labor and employment developments over the last year, focusing on the most significant changes under the current administration.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 0.75 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Employment Law Update (2026)
    Not yet rated
$70   Add to Cart

Ethics by Design: Responsible AI Use in Health Law

AI can enhance research, drafting, and strategy across legal practice, but core ethical duties still govern how lawyers use AI tools. This session highlights responsible, ethics aligned approaches to AI, focusing on safe prompting, confidentiality and privilege considerations, and the importance of verification and sound judgment.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 1.00 hr | 1.00 Ethics
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Ethics by Design: Responsible AI Use in Health Law
    Not yet rated
$85   Add to Cart

Ethics Involved in Using a Landman

What ethics rules govern a lawyer’s use of landmen? What can landmen do, and what does the law prohibit landmen from doing?

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Paper Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 1.00 hr | 1.00 Ethics
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Ethics Involved in Using a Landman
    3 out of 5 stars
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    Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.
$85   Add to Cart

Federal and State Healthcare Enforcement Trends in 2026

Session 1: Enforcement Trends Across the Healthcare Industry - The federal government and various states continue to investigate and litigate healthcare fraud cases across all sectors of the industry. Hear an overview of the latest trends in enforcement, including insight from a former government attorney, and learn what the new theories and trends mean for 2026 and beyond.  Session 2: States’ Rights: Health Care Enforcement in the Second Trump Administration - With federal agencies shifting their remaining resources to new objectives, States Attorneys General across the country are rushing to fill the gap. In particular, State Attorneys General are showing the willingness to flex their enforcement muscles even without federal support in antitrust, privacy (including AI uses of patient data), and consumer protection. This presentation provides an in-depth analysis of emerging legal theories from defense counsel and current Assistant Attorneys General, exploring the potential impact of state enforcement on the healthcare landscape in 2026 and beyond.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 1.75 hrs | 0.50 Ethics
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Federal and State Healthcare Enforcement Trends in 2026
    Not yet rated
$105   Add to Cart

Federal Healthcare Policy Impacts on Providers

Examine the policy goals and legal consequences commonly grouped under the “one big beautiful bill” framing and situate them within the broader trajectory of federal healthcare reform. Focus on how evolving federal policies affect reimbursement, compliance obligations, enforcement risk, and operational strategy for healthcare providers.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 1.00 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Federal Healthcare Policy Impacts on Providers
    Not yet rated
$75   Add to Cart

From Cimarex to Cromwell: A Course Correction on Lease Survival for Non-Operating Interests

Analyze the Texas Supreme Court’s decision in Cromwell v. Anadarko and its rejection of the “washout” theory applied in Cimarex v. Anadarko, focusing on how passive-voice habendum clauses affect lease continuation beyond the primary term.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Paper Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 0.50 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • From Cimarex to Cromwell: A Course Correction on Lease Survival for Non-Operating Interests

    3.5 out of 5 stars
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    Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.
$65   Add to Cart

Generative AI in Litigation: Practical Uses, Pitfalls, and Guardrails

Generative AI is rapidly reshaping litigation for attorneys and experts—from discovery and expert analysis to drafting and research. This session explores current AI trends, provides concrete real-world use cases, and discusses the legal, ethical, and evidentiary risks that need to be managed.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 1.00 hr | 1.00 Ethics
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Generative AI in Litigation: Practical Uses, Pitfalls, and Guardrails
    3 out of 5 stars
    What was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?
    Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.
$85   Add to Cart

Hot Topics in Hospital Operations (2026)

Legal issues and challenges in hospital operations are diverse and dynamic. Cover current hot topics with which hospitals are wrestling. These can range from price transparency to emergency detention issues, reporting of care provided to patients not lawfully present in the U.S. through the new STEPS portal, ongoing management of workplace violence, management of Information Technology platforms and services, and updates to the CMS Interpretive Guidelines for Hospitals including the new OB requirements.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Paper Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 1.00 hr
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
  • Hot Topics in Hospital Operations (2026)
    Not yet rated
$75   Add to Cart