First Friday Ethics (July 2025)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Jul 11, 2025

10:00 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. (3.00 hr | 3.00 hr ethics)  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: 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Use of AI in Litigation (Replay) Understanding the basics of how AI works, the dangers and pitfalls with current AI technology, and ways AI can (or should not) be used in litigation. J. Hoke (Trey) Peacock III, Susman Godfrey LLP - Houston, TX 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) When Lawyers Make the News: It’s Not About You. It’s About Your Client. (Replay) With the guidance provided by the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct, the Texas Lawyer’s Creed, and existing ethics opinions, this presentation focuses on ethical considerations lawyers often face when handling cases that make the news and will offer practical guidance on avoiding common pitfalls that arise when your case makes the spotlight. Consider lessons learned from stories and examples of lawyers who themselves made headlines and faced legal trouble for ethical lapses in the scope of client representation. Thomas P. Brandt, Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin, P.C. - Dallas, TX John Husted, Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin, P.C. - Dallas, TX 11:55 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Who’s Your Client? (Replay) Identifying your client seems like a simple issue, but it is frequently complicated, particularly with organizational clients such as partnerships, LLCs, corporations or trusts, or even simply joint return filers. The client’s identity in turn bears on all sorts of ethical and practical issues, including conflicts, where your duties lie, how to advise organizational clients, protect client confidences and privileges, handle communications with others and common interest agreements, etc. Christopher S. Rizek, Holland & Knight - Washington, DC 1:05 p.m. to 1:35 p.m. (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Updated Texas Disciplinary Rules: What You Should Know (Replay) New and amended disciplinary rules took effect in October 2024, adding a number of clarifications and additional provisions. Hear a summary of rule changes relevant to Texas practitioners. Olga Kobzar, Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP - Austin, TX   If you cannot watch the entire webcast at its scheduled time, register now and view the recording and eCourse when it is available in “Your Briefcase” after the webcast. Earn CLE credit (in TX and CA) on your time!

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Previous Studio Webcasts Now Available On Demand

Final Decree as Blueprint for Mortgage Financing: Suggestions for Family Lawyers

STUDIO WEBCAST – Nov 7, 2023

11:10 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. (0.75 hr) Final Decree as Blueprint for Mortgage Financing The language in a final divorce decree can either pave the way to successful mortgage financing or impede the process, whether your client refis or buys. This course covers wording suggestions for best outcomes and also covers a few reasons why both parties should not be left on an existing mortgage after divorce. Brooke Benson, MiMutual Mortgage, Grapevine, TX   If you cannot watch the entire webcast at its scheduled time, register now and view the recording and eCourse when it is available in “Your Briefcase” after the webcast. Earn CLE credit (in TX and CA) on your time!

Show Me the Money: Owelty Liens and Equity Buyouts in a Divorce

STUDIO WEBCAST – Sep 6, 2023

1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. (0.75 hr) Show Me the Money: Owelty Liens and Equity Buyouts in a Divorce Many divorcing couples think selling the marital home and splitting the proceeds is 1) the only option or 2) the option that yields the most money. This course demonstrates why that’s not necessarily the case as it follows a fictitious couple through the thought process related to the marital residence. Brooke Benson, MiMutual Mortgage - Grapevine, TX   If you cannot watch the entire webcast at its scheduled time, register now and view the recording and eCourse when it is available in “Your Briefcase” after the webcast. Earn CLE credit (in TX and CA) on your time!

Mortgage Concepts for Family Lawyers

STUDIO WEBCAST – Jul 27, 2023

12:20 p.m. to 1:05 p.m. (0.75 hr) Mortgage Concepts for Family Lawyers This covers the basic parts of mortgage application, assessment, underwriting and approval. The course presenter will also guide the family lawyer through an overview of the loan approval process when the Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP) has joined the divorce team. Brooke Benson, MiMutual Mortgage - Grapevine, TX   If you cannot watch the entire webcast at its scheduled time, register now and view the recording and eCourse when it is available in “Your Briefcase” after the webcast. Earn CLE credit (in TX and CA) on your time!