First Friday Ethics (January 2026)
STUDIO WEBCAST – Jan 9, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 1:30 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! 10:00 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. (0.50 hr ethics) Cyberjustice Interrupted: How Ransomware Turns Risk Into Liability (Replay) This CLE explores how ransomware and cyberattacks are impacting law firms and small businesses highlighting their legal, operational, financial, and compliance consequences. Participants gain practical insights into litigation trends, evolving cybersecurity threats, and how to build a human-centered defense through staff training, behavior-based awareness programs, and proactive risk mitigation. The session closes with actionable steps to lower risks and strengthen firm-wide defenses. Stefanie Alexander, Attorney at Law, PLLC - Houston, TX Melecia McLean, MeltalksCyber - New York, NY 11:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (0.50 hr ethics) Legal Ads: Advice From Veteran Lawyers in Small Firms (Replay) This presentation explores how to ethically advertise according to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Jefferson K. Brim III, Brim & Brim, P.C. - Austin, TX Rick Freeman, Austin, TX 11:25 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. (1.00 hr ethics) Conflict Transactions: Developments in Navigating Perilous Waters (Replay) Recent court opinions and amendments to state legislation have changed the rules for conflict transactions. Panelists discuss steps companies and their stockholders, directors and officers should take before and during deals in light of the changes, and what happens if they don’t. Michael G. O'Bryan, Morrison & Foerster - San Francisco, CA Scott B. Crofton, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP - New York, NY Abby Davis, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP - Houston, TX Robert R. Kibby, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. - Dallas, TX Kimberly Spoerri, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP - New York, NY 12:35 p.m. to 1:35 p.m. (1.00 hr ethics) The Use and Governance of AI in Legal and Compliance Departments (Replay) Engage in, and leave with actionable suggestions for, how legal and compliance teams are supporting the use of AI, from piloting a single model within the department to supporting AI governance across the enterprise. Steven Gyeszly, Valaris - Houston, TX Chris Miller, General Motors - Detroit, MI 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!