Upcoming Studio Webcasts

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First Friday Ethics (August 2026)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Aug 7, 2026

12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (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!   Marla Mattenson, Founder of Beacons Global dedicated to teaching ethical practices behind the scenes in business, empowering Texas lawyers to achieve. You struggle because your nervous system is doing exactly what it was designed to do: prioritize urgency over restoration. In the high-pressure environment of a modern legal practice, this pattern can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and reduced clarity in communication and decision-making.  In this wellness CLE, you’ll learn why traditional self-care often feels impossible for lawyers and how to regulate stress while continuing to work. You’ll leave with practical tools, including the Capture & Compost Method, to recover clarity under pressure, communicate more effectively (including through vocal tone awareness), boost productivity, and experience relief.12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (1.00 hr ethics)Why Self-Care Feels Impossible for Lawyers You know self-care matters, yet during a demanding workday it often feels unrealistic or indulgent. In this session, discover why a stressed nervous system naturally prioritizes urgency over restoration and why traditional self-care advice rarely works for lawyers. Learn how to embed small regulation practices throughout your workday to shorten stress cycles, “timebending” how long you remain in a stress response. 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (1.00 hr ethics) Your Brain on Burnout Burnout is not just emotional exhaustion, it is a physiological state that changes how your brain processes information, decisions, and reacts to pressure. In this session, learn how chronic stress affects your cognition, communication, and professional judgment, and how to recognize your own stress signals through thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and shifts in vocal tone. Understanding these signals helps you respond more effectively in conversations with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel. 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (1.00 hr ethics) Turning Stress Into Relief The thoughts and emotions you push aside during a demanding workday do not disappear, they accumulate. In this session, learn the Capture & Compost Method for recording stressful thoughts and later reflecting on them to identify patterns between thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and behaviors. This practice helps you recover from pressure faster, restore mental clarity, and bring greater focus, meaning, and renewal to your work.  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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First Friday Ethics (April 2026)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Apr 3, 2026

10:00 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. (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! 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (1.00 hr ethics)Deal Ethics (Replay) In the high-stakes world of M&A, deal lawyers must balance the interests of their clients with the demands of professional conduct, navigating the maze that is confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and the ever-present temptation to push boundaries. Explore more real-world ethical challenges that can make or break a deal—all while keeping you from being the target of a disciplinary investigation.David I. Albin, Finn Dixon & Herling LLP - Stamford, CT Nathaniel L. Doliner, Carlton Fields - Tampa, FL 11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. (1.00 hr ethics)Ethical Obligations for Lawyers Using AI (Replay) AI has been in use for more than 50 years, but not everyone realized they were using Machine Learning with search engines. In 2026, all lawyers will rely on some form of AI while working trials and transactions, so it imperative that all lawyers understand their ethical obligations using AI. Peter S. Vogel, Vogel IT Law - Dallas, TX 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (1.00 hr ethics)What You Need to Know About the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility and Circular 230 (Replay) Join Sharyn Fisk, the former Director of the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility, for an insider’s view of OPR, including a discussion of recent developments, current trends, and how these changes will affect your practice.Sharyn Fisk, Cal Poly Pomona - Los Angeles, CA 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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First Friday Ethics (November 2025)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Nov 7, 2025

10:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. (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! 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (1.00 hr ethics) Your Emergency Grievance Toolkit (Replay) For many lawyers, the grievance process can be upsetting, confusing, frightening, and anger-producing. Learn the most effective techniques for dealing with a grievance from the immediate past-Committee Chair of the District 4 grievance committee. Scott Rothenberg, Law Offices of Scott Rothenberg - Bellaire, TX 11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. (1.00 hr ethics) The Ethical Use of AI (Replay) Explore the patchwork of state-level professional rules and advisories addressing the use of artificial intelligence by lawyers in the practice of law, as well as the rise of standing court orders addressing the use of AI in connection with material submitted to the court. Also touch on the ways in which lawyers are in fact using AI in the practice (and some of the ways they are not). Jason Boulette, Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P. - Austin, TX 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (1.00 hr ethics) Privileged Communications: Ethical Challenges and Best Practices for Tax Practitioners with Organizational Clients (Replay) The question of whether and how the rules under Circular 230, which governs federal tax practice before the IRS, apply to in-house counsel is often raised. Join the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), the IRS responsibility for oversight of practitioner, to learn about how in-house counsel may come within OPR’s jurisdiction, OPR's role, mission, and procedures, pertinent Circular 230 provisions applicable to in-house counsel and other practitioners, and OPR’s investigative and disciplinary processes. Also touch on procedures that should be put in place to ensure compliance with Circular 230 and other best practices.  Sharyn Fisk, Cal Poly Pomona - Los Angeles, CA 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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First Friday Ethics (August 2025)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Aug 1, 2025

10:00 a.m. to 1:20 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 11:00 a.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Artificial Intelligence Tools and Thoughtful Implementation and Use (Replay) We all see multiple stories about the rapid growth and entry into our daily lives of artificial tools. It is difficult to overstate how much things will change with the rise of these new technologies, or how important it is that companies embrace the opportunity to execute it correctly. Having conversations regarding the proper embrace of these technologies and these tools is a crucial first step, including drafting policies to assist companies with their beneficial and thoughtful adoption and use of these technologies, which are unique to each company and industry. This presentation will define the state of artificial intelligence tools, what benefits and risks exist, and finally steps to begin embracing these technologies with appropriate guardrails, policies, and training. It is less likely that artificial intelligence destroys industries, and much more likely that companies that embrace artificial intelligence will take overtake those companies that do not embrace artificial intelligence. Mark McCreary, Fox Rothschild LLP - Yardley, PA 11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Ethics Potpourri: 10 Tips to Help You Sleep at Night (Replay) Regardless of their credentials, experience, and the setting in which they work, tax professionals risk uncertainty and sleepless nights in balancing duties to their clients, companies, and the community at large. This session offers 10 tips to mitigate tax ethics insomnia, from confirming who your client is, what professional standards apply, how to keep up to date and safeguard confidences, when to rely on outside experts, and what your obligations and options are when conflicts arise or when you, your client, or an outside expert makes a mistake.   Timothy J. McCormally, Arlington, VA 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Thrive Together: Cultivating Wellness for You and Your Legal Team (Replay) Explore the essential role of burnout prevention in the legal profession and discover practical strategies to cultivate wellness for yourself and your staff. This session equips you with actionable tools for fostering a thriving, resilient legal team. Alicia Freeman, Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program (TLAP) - Austin, TX Kiele Linroth Pace, Pacefirm Consulting, LLC - 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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First Friday Ethics (March 2025)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Mar 7, 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) My Mind Has A Mind of Its Own: Why Even Good Lawyers Are Lured Into Unethical Behavior by the Way Their Brains Work (Replay) Modern behavioral psychology research has revealed that our brains lead us into behaviors that are inconsistent with logic, our own self-interest, and ethical principles. This presentation explains how scientifically identifiable justifications, rationalizations, and heuristics can present challenges in legal ethics. Kevin Dubose, Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP - Houston, TX 10:55 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Fixing Federal Tax Return Mistakes (Replay) Mistakes happen in tax. Fixing those mistakes usually gets harder as time goes by. This presentation surveys a range of potential options: rescission, tax elections including Section 9100 relief, amended returns, method changes, attribute redeterminations, and more. The presentation also highlights ethical obligations that arise when considering how to best address prior mistakes. Tom Greenaway, KPMG LLP - Boston, MA 11:55 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. (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 1:05 p.m. to 1:35 p.m. (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Social Media, Ethics, and TMI: Why you won't be ROFL (Replay) Priscilla de Mata, Ysleta Isd - El Paso, 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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Deep in the Heart of the Texas Business Courts: What Attorneys Need to Know

STUDIO WEBCAST – Oct 8, 2024

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (1.00 hr) Deep in the Heart of the Texas Business Courts: What Attorneys Need to Know Gray Reed litigators Mitch Ackal and Jeremy Walter team up with Gray Reed attorney and Texas State Rep. Jeff Leach, who played an instrumental role in developing the legislation that created these specialized courts, to share what they've learned since the September 1st opening of the Texas Business Courts. Hear the ins and outs of the new Texas Business Court, including its jurisdiction, its judges, and its unique procedures. With just one month of operations underway at the time of this presentation, this session also offers an analysis of any significant Court data that may be available. Mitch Ackal, Gray Reed, Houston, TX Jeff Leach, Texas House of Representatives, District 67, Allen, TX Jeremy Walter, Gray Reed, Houston, 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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First Friday Ethics (September 2024)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Sep 6, 2024

9:30 a.m. to 12:50 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: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Privileged Communications: Ethical Challenges and Best Practices for Tax Practitioners with Organizational Clients The question of whether and how the rules under Circular 230, which governs federal tax practice before the IRS, apply to in-house counsel is often raised. Join the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), the IRS responsibility for oversight of practitioner, to learn about how in-house counsel may come within OPR’s jurisdiction, OPR's role, mission, and procedures, pertinent Circular 230 provisions applicable to in-house counsel and other practitioners, and OPR’s investigative and disciplinary processes. Also touch on procedures that should be put in place to ensure compliance with Circular 230 and other best practices.  Sharyn Fisk, Internal Revenue Service - Washington, DC 10:40 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Ethical Concerns of AI and the Practice of Law (Replay) This presentation defines the state of artificial intelligence tools, what benefits and risks exist, and finally steps to begin embracing these technologies with appropriate guardrails, policies, and training. It is less likely that artificial intelligence will destroy industries, and much more likely that companies that embrace artificial intelligence will take overtake those companies that do not embrace artificial intelligence. Mark G. McCreary, Fox Rothschild LLP - Philadelphia, PA 11:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Client Selection, Contracts and Handling Complaints (Replay) During a long career, almost no lawyer can completely avoid conflicts and complaints from Clients. The nature of our adversary system provides many opportunities for stress, misunderstandings and disagreements about how the legal system works – or the client’s expectations.  Many times, these matters can be avoided in the intake process. But when a complaint arises, lawyers need to know how to respond and handle those attorney client disagreements in ethical and empathetic ways. This course takes you through the interview process, the execution of clear attorney fee agreements, maintaining clear communications, and ultimately handling an attorney client dispute. Dozens of great tips, sound advice, and reminders of our fiduciary duty under the Disciplinary Rules. Claude E. Ducloux, Attorney at Law - 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!