eCourses

Hear the latest on matters affecting government employees, including developments in the First Amendment, due process, privacy, political patronage, and state law protections in the public workplace.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Session 01: Let’s Chat About ChatGPT: Ethical Considerations in the Use of Generative AI - Since the introduction of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, lawyers around the country have been getting into ethical hot water over their misuse of generative AI. Courts have responded with mandatory AI disclosures and certifications by attorneys. What are your ethical obligations in using AI, and how can you stay within the lines? Find out in this informative and entertaining presentation! Session 02: Philanthropy in Sports - Collegiate athletics draw significant attention, and revenues, to many institutions and associated nonprofit organizations. This presentation covers tax and legal considerations around such activity for organizations and donors, including "name, image and likeness" (NIL) structures, licensing/joint ventures, and sponsorships. Session 03: Overcoming School Challenges for Students with Disabilites - Having school-aged clients with a disability can provide unique challenges in their care. Learn about these challenges and potential solutions from the collaborative perspective of an education consultant and a nurse case manager. Session 04: Challenges Presented by Litigation Funding - District courts and parties continue to grapple with issues relating to litigation funding and the funders themselves. This panel discusses some of the more prominent challenges including disclosure requirements (e.g., Delaware), how to get a funded litigant to settle, and patent aggregation by funded entities. Session 05: Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act: How They Work - An overview of the requirements and procedures under Texas’ government transparency statutes and a look at some common issues.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Session 1: Research on Legal Writing -  Discussion about empirical research on legal writing techniques. Research supports plainer writing, reduced use of intensifiers, reduced use of “emotional” words, and use of narrative. Research also supports “connectives” (transitions), priming, and the value of resources, i.e. money. Session 2:  What to do When the Government Comes Calling -  Hear advice for in-house counsel and corporate executives faced with federal inquiries, search warrants, investigations, and subpoenas to produce evidence or testify. Learn about ways in which professionals can stay out of the government’s cross hairs. Session 3: Mediation Strategies, Solutions and Lessons Learned - The success of mediation is influenced by the information exchanged in advance, the type of mediation (remote or in-person), the inclusion or exclusion of a joint opening session, and many other factors. This panel discusses best practices for opening lines of communication, getting past the impasse, and finding a resolution. Session 4: How to Cultivate a Better Workplace - Quiet quitting. Hey Boomer. Gen X. Gen Z. Millennial. Anti-work. Current workplace structures aren’t always working. Hear from a worker-side trial attorney about how to build a better workplace and why we all have more in common than we might think.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

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!   This month includes: (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Ted Lasso and Lawyer Ethics (Replay) What can a fictional soccer coach, goldfish, and biscuits teach us about attorney ethics? Lace up your cleats and find out.   Christie L. Hobbs, Northwest ISD - Fort Worth, TX (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Ten Rules for Ethical and Effective Negotiating (Replay) Most real estate deals are like water, and if things are handled correctly they will generally find their own level. This presentation provides ten (10) principles for handling negotiations correctly, which by necessity means ethically, and which will result in more effective negotiation. Richard A. Crow, Greenberg Traurig, LLP - Houston, TX (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Wellness in the Practice of Law: What Every Lawyer Should Know (Replay) A look at statistics on lawyer wellness and explore evidence-based tips on how to manage stress and anxiety to avoid losing enthusiasm for the practice of law. Michelle Fontenot, Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program - Austin, TX (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Social Media, Ethics, and TMI: Why you won't be ROFL (Replay) Refresher on maintaining client confidences and other rules of professional conduct in a world influenced by social media.  Priscilla de Mata, Ysleta ISD - El Paso, TX

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Session 1: The Grievance Process and Most Common Violations - The presentation is intended to provide general information regarding the amendments made to the grievance process in 2018, the proper way to respond to a grievance identifying attorney misconduct, and common problems to avoid in practice. Session 2: So You Think You Know Your Evidence and Procedure? - An interactive and entertaining presentation testing your knowledge of the Texas Rules of Evidence and Procedure. Session 3: Research on Legal Writing - Get information about empirical research on legal writing techniques. Research supports plainer writing, reduced use of intensifiers, reduced use of “emotional” words, and use of narrative. Research also supports “connectives” (transitions), priming, and the value of resources, i.e. money. Session 4: Dealing With the Problem of Opposing Counsel - How to avoid intimidation and manage the disruptive, disreputable, and overly zealous opposing counsel in an ethical, civil, and professional manner.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

THIS MONTH: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in College Sports, Year Three • Humanitarian Relief & Border Issues • Dealing with Loans in the Context of Divorces, Death, and other Family Disruptions • Licensure with a Criminal Record • Ethics Issues for Transactional Practice

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Session 1: Ted Lasso Ethics - Five lessons lawyers should learn from Ted Lasso. Session 2: Consideration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Agency Affairs - The 88th legislature and directives from the Governor banned offices and programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion at publicly funded colleges and universities. This mandate will reshape what agencies can and cannot do. Examine recent legislation and its potential impact on agency affairs. Session 3: Mediation Strategies, Solutions and Lessons Learned - The success of mediation is influenced by the information exchanged in advance, the type of mediation (remote or in-person), the inclusion or exclusion of a joint opening session, and many other factors. This panel discusses best practices for opening lines of communication, getting past the impasse, and finding a resolution. Session 4: Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act: How They Work - An overview of the requirements and procedures under Texas’ government transparency statutes and a look at some common issues.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

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!   This month includes: (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) What Texas Lawyers Need to Know About Human Rights Considerations in Connection to Mega Sports Events In 2026 the U.S. jointly with Canada and Mexico are hosting the FIFA World Cup. Houston and Dallas are the two Texan cities that will be hosting games. According to FIFA regulations as part of the bidding process, host countries and Host Cities were required to commit, amongst other things, to their obligations under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and to develop respective strategies. Now, each city has to engage in the phase of human rights due diligence for the tournament, focusing on enhanced stakeholder engagement and the development of a achievement framework for the Host Cities. This presentation explains the human rights due diligence, the human rights framework applicable and the potential areas for legal work. Ariel E. Dulitzky, The University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Working with Your Colleagues: Not Working Against Your Enemies (Replay) Elevate civility and communication practices by addressing uncollegial or uncooperative behaviors and developing plans to foster civil and collegial communications. Hear both government and defense counsel discuss their experiences of poor communication and ways to provide civil and frank discussions.  Christopher M. Palazola, Texas Medical Board, Austin, TX Jon Porter, McDonald, Mackay, Porter & Weitz, LLP, Cedar Park, TX (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) A Legal Ethics Wish List (Replay) Law firm general counsels and risk managers have wish lists…of what they hope their colleagues already know about the Rules of Professional Conduct and how to apply them. This presentation explores many things that are, no doubt, on those Wish Lists, including a working understanding of the conflict of interest rules, tools to help navigate those rules (like engagement letters and “I’m Not Your Lawyer” letters), the difference between the attorney-client privilege and the lawyer’s ethical duty of confidentiality, and a proper appreciation of the application of the “No Contact” Rule. The presentation also provides some practical tips to help create a culture of sound risk management practices to help keep the attendee from getting on the General Counsel’s or Risk Manager’s bad list.  A.J. Singleton, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC, Lexington, KY

Includes: Video Paper Slides

In 2026 the U.S. jointly with Canada and Mexico are hosting the FIFA World Cup. Houston and Dallas are the two Texan cities that will be hosting games. According to FIFA regulations as part of the bidding process, host countries and Host Cities were required to commit, amongst other things, to their obligations under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and to develop respective strategies. Now, each city has to engage in the phase of human rights due diligence for the tournament, focusing on enhanced stakeholder engagement and the development of a achievement framework for the Host Cities. This presentation explains the human rights due diligence, the human rights framework applicable and the potential areas for legal work.

Includes: Video Paper Slides

Session 01: Case Law Update: Part I - Examine significant administrative law cases issued during the last year. Session 02: Case Law Update: Part II - Examine significant administrative law cases issued during the last year.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides No Materials

Session 01: Legislative Update - A focus on select bills enacted by the 88th Texas Legislature that impact administrative law practitioners.  Session 02: 2023 Sunset Process for Three Environmental Agencies of Texas - During the summer of 2022, the Sunset Advisory Commission initiated its review of 21 entities in preparation for the 88th Legislative Session. Included in this process were three of the most important environmental agencies in the state of Texas, the Texas Water Development Board, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The speakers provide an overview of the sunset process for their respective agencies and the changes each agency will undergo as a result. Session 03: Changing the Makeup of the Courts - Learn about the Texas Legislature’s efforts in the last several years at making significant changes to the structure of the judicial branch of government. The speakers address issues such as redistricting, business courts, the 15th Court of Appeals, the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over the Court of Criminal Appeals, and other proposed and passed judicial branch bills.   Session 04: Consideration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Agency Affairs - The 88th legislature and directives from the Governor banned offices and programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion at publicly funded colleges and universities. This mandate will reshape what agencies can and cannot do. Examine recent legislation and its potential impact on agency affairs.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

ChatGPT and its large language model cohorts have captured the public imagination and, for many, raised the specter of an AI-driven revolution to legal education and practice. Survey challenges and opportunities, and report on existing or potential approaches to the use or restriction of modern AI in legal practice and education.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

THIS MONTH: How Does the Recent NLRB Memo Affect Texas Non-Competes? • Common IP Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them • Preparing Witnesses for Depositions • Show Me the Money: Owelty Liens and Equity Buyouts in a Divorce • Working with Your Colleagues: Not Working Against Your Enemies

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our thoughts, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. Because they occur without a person’s awareness or control, they can have a significant and potentially negative impact on the day-to-day lives of lawyers and judges.

Includes: Video Audio

“My attorney said taking probation would make it go away!” Criminal matters almost always carry consequences for licensed professionals. Learn how to navigate in-state and out-of-state criminal charges, how to assure your client is making an informed decision, and how to provide the best post-plea evidence to State agencies.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Discuss information about empirical research on legal writing techniques. Research supports plainer writing, reduced use of intensifiers, reduced use of “emotional” words, and use of narrative. Research also supports “connectives” (transitions), priming, and the value of resources, i.e. money.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

An overview of the requirements and procedures under Texas’ government transparency statutes and a look at some common issues.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Taking a case through the SOAH process: a practical outline for prehearing procedures, preparing for the hearing, uploading and organizing evidence, handling the hearing, drafting briefing and exceptions, and appealing the agency final order to the courts.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

A look at statistics on lawyer wellness and explore evidence-based tips on how to manage stress and anxiety to avoid losing enthusiasm for the practice of law.

Includes: Video Audio Paper

Elevate civility and communication practices by addressing uncollegial or uncooperative behaviors and developing plans to foster civil and collegial communications. Hear both government and defense counsel discuss their experiences of poor communication and ways to provide civil and frank discussions.  

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides