First Friday Ethics (October 2023)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Oct 6, 2023

10:00 a.m. to 1:30 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) AI and Effective Corporate Governance (Replay) This discussion covers artificial intelligence (AI) fundamentals and business opportunities to utilize AI responsibly and strategically. The panelists also address corporate governance and compliance frameworks to enable boards and business leadership to proactively and effectively manage risks posed by AI. Regina Jones, Baker Hughes - Houston, TX Ryan D. McConnell, R. McConnell Group PLLC - Houston, TX Meagan Baker Thompson, R. McConnell Group PLLC - Austin, TX 11:10 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Requests from on High: Keeping In-House Counsel Out of Hot Water (Replay) One of internal counsel’s many functions is to avert problems for their employers. But sometimes in keeping their client away from the fire, they risk being singed. These concerns implicate challenging attorney-client privilege issues, clarity in communicating to employees and management who they represent, educating others about how to maintain confidentiality, engaging the right counsel and consultants for the proper purposes, and knowing when to stay away from direct interaction in depositions, mediations and regulator meetings and interactions, or when to interact directly. Joel Cohen, White & Case LLP - New York, NY 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Ethics on the Edge (Replay) Whether in-house or in private practice, technology lawyers increasingly find themselves counseling clients operating at or beyond the edge of what the law has contemplated—and sometimes with business models so “disruptive” they may even be illegal. Explore the ethics issues that come into play in such situations, through real-world examples of how experienced in-house lawyers have counseled their clients though high-risk innovation and legal uncertainty.   Christopher T. Brown, KASTNER/GRAVELLE LLP - Austin, TX Cara Connolly, Reality Labs at Meta - Austin, TX Catherine Dawson, AffiniPay - Austin, TX  1:00 p.m to 1:30 p.m. (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Pro Bono Opportunities for Business Attorneys (Replay) Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts (TALA) offers attorneys the opportunity to work with creatives, non-profits, and others who qualify based on their income on various legal issues such as entity formation, contracts, trademark/patent/copyright filings, and other general legal needs. An in depth discussion on these opportunities as well as give several examples of cases or matters handled by volunteer attorneys. Angela L. Lee, TALA - Austin, TX Adrian Resendez, Brough & Resendez PLLC - 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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Running Your Law Firm as a Business

STUDIO WEBCAST – Oct 13, 2023

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (1.00 hr) Running Your Law Firm as a Business In today’s competitive legal landscape, it’s no longer enough to simply hang your shingle and get by on the broad scope of subjects you studied for the Bar. To thrive as a lawyer, you must understand how to properly run your law firm. You may not be a business lawyer, but all lawyers need to know how to run their business. This CLE seminar provides you with valuable insights, practical strategies, and actionable takeaways to elevate your law firm’s performance and profitability. James David Rosenblatt, The Rosenblatt Law Firm - San Antonio, 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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How Does the Recent NLRB Memo Affect Texas Non-Competes? (Replay)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Oct 13, 2023

11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. (1.00 hr) How Does the Recent NLRB Memo Affect Texas Non-Competes? (Replay) This presentation discusses the Memorandum GC-23-08 issued on May 30th that states, “except in limited circumstances, “the proffer, maintenance and enforcement” of non-compete provisions violates the NLRA because these agreements “reasonably tend to chill employees” in their exercise of Section 7 rights”. Suzanne Lehman Johnson, Lehman Johnson Law PLLC - Houston, TX Zach Wolfe, Zach Wolfe Law Firm - 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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Corporate Transparency Act: Regulations and Practical Implications (Replay)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Oct 13, 2023

12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (1.00 hr | 0.50 ethics) Part One: Corporate Transparency Act Regulations (Replay) Hear an overview of the Corporate Transparency Act and related regulations and a discussion regarding who is a reporting company, who is a beneficial owner, and what information will be required to be disclosed. Lauren White, Haynes and Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX Part Two: Corporate Transparency Act Regulations and the Practical Implications (Replay) A practice-focused review on the implications of the CTA for lawyers who serve or who have served as an organizer of covered entities and what communications and safeguards practitioners can implement now to prepare themselves and their clients for the implementation of the CTA. Charis B. Clawson, Baird, Crews, Schiller and Whitaker, P.C. - Temple, TX Taylor Fitzner, Baird, Crews, Schiller and Whitaker, P.C. - Temple, 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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Legislative Update: New Texas Business Courts

STUDIO WEBCAST – Nov 7, 2023

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (1.00 hr) Legislative Update: New Texas Business Courts Learn about the new legislation establishing Texas business courts, including, among many topics, (1) the jurisdiction of the business courts, (2) the initial geographic divisions and limits of such courts, (3) qualifications for and appointments of business court judges, (4) jury trial rights, (5) filing, removal and remand of cases, and (6) administration of the business courts. Daryl B. Robertson, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP - Dallas, 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!

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!

Previous Studio Webcasts Now Available On Demand

Working Together: Texas ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts

STUDIO WEBCAST – Feb 16, 2023

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (1.00 hr) Working Together: Texas ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts Learn about the tax-advantaged Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (Texas ABLE®), a disability savings program created specifically for Texans with qualifying disabilities. This session covers specifics about Texas ABLE and how it can be used in conjunction with Special Needs Trusts, while helping to preserve state and federal means-tested benefits, including SSI and Medicaid. Learn how recent regulatory and legislative developments have continued to expand the flexibility and impact of ABLE accounts. Linda Fernandez, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - Austin, TX Anna Mallett, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts – Austin, TX Rob Percival, Orion Advisor Solutions - Omaha, NE   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!

Essentials for Special Needs Planning (REPLAY)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Jan 24, 2023

This half-day course is a MUST for practitioners entering the realm of special needs planning, or who want a refresher on the core concepts and building blocks of special needs trusts. Starting with a comprehensive overview of public benefits programs both at the federal and state level, the course then walks through the key decisions and stages for setting up a special needs trust. It provides detailed resource materials and takeaways for special needs planners.  Course Faculty: Haley D. Greer, The ARC Of Texas, Austin, TX Stephen W. Dale, The Dale Law Firm, PC, Pacheco, CA Craig C. Reaves, Reaves Law Firm, P.C., Kansas City, MO Peter J. Wall, True Link Financial, Denver, CO   This short webcast is a replay from last year and is the perfect primer to our 19th Annual Changes and Trends Affecting Special Needs Trusts conference, on February 9-10, 2023 in Austin. Be sure to join us!

Texas Guardianship Essentials (Replay)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Oct 26, 2022

10:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. (4.50 hr | 1.50 hr ethics | 4.50 hr guardianship) Texas Guardianship Essentials (Replay) Gain the basics as well as practical tips and current guidance for attorneys ad litem in the state of Texas, including a must-have set of materials and resources.   Role of the Guardian Hon. Polly Jackson Spencer, Senior Statutory Probate Judge, Retired, San Antonio, TX Role of the Ad Litem Hon. Steve M. King, Senior Statutory Probate Judge, Fort Worth, TX Alternatives to Guardianship including Supports and Services Hon. Jason Cox, Harris County Probate Court #3, Houston, TX Taft Robinson, Disability Rights Texas, Houston, TX The Duty of Investment for Guardians of the Estate John B. Henry III, Law Office of John B. Henry, III, PLLC, Bellaire, TX Temporary Guardianships and Other Emergency Relief in a Guardianship Proceeding Kathleen Tanner Beduze, Jackson Walker LLP, 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!

Law Firm Management Reports: Key Information You Should Have to Run Your Firm

STUDIO WEBCAST – Aug 10, 2022

11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. (1.00 hr) Law Firm Management Reports: Key Information You Should Have to Run Your Firm Join Derek Barto as he details how to monitor the health of your practice using law firm management reports including, key figures to monitor and get the information on time and with confidence. Derek Barto, Armanino LLP, Segundo, 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!

Guardianships: Ripped from the Headlines

STUDIO WEBCAST – May 12, 2022

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (1.00 hr) Guardianships: Ripped from the Headlines John B. Henry, III, Law Office of John B. Henry, III, PLLC, Bellaire, TX An exploration of the development of the law regarding conservatorships and protective proceedings. This presentation explores lessons learned from recent and famous guardianship/conservatorships in the news with practical considerations for Texas guardianship practitioners.  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!

Last Chance Tax Planning: The Golden Age of Estate Planning Won’t Last Forever

STUDIO WEBCAST – May 12, 2022

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (1.00 hr) Last Chance Tax Planning: The Golden Age of Estate Planning Won’t Last Forever (If You’re Not Doing Estate Planning Now, What Are You Waiting For?) Marvin Blum, The Blum Firm, Fort Worth, TX   In 2021, Congress shined a spotlight on many of the best tools in our toolbox that we use to avoid estate tax. Previously, many of these techniques were flying under the radar. Now that the general public is aware, there is a growing outcry to shut down these benefits. This is a wake-up call that, sooner or later, the tax landscape will likely drastically change. Now is the time to engage in “Golden Age” tax planning. Explore key provisions of the various tax proposals still on the table, the Biden Administration’s latest tax proposals, and what kinds of planning clients should be putting in place before it’s too late. 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!

The View from 30,000 Feet: Medicaid Myths All Attorneys Should Know (REPLAY)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Feb 24, 2022

11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. (1.00 hr) Join Stephanie as she explains Medicaid and Medicare mythbusting and challenges common misconceptions about: MERP, Medicaid, and Medicare, as well as protecting the home and other assets with Transfer on Death Planning and Couples Planning for Medicaid. 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!

Medicaid Matters and Probate Proceedings

STUDIO WEBCAST – Dec 9, 2021

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (1.00 hr) Join Stephanie as she explores how to protect homes from the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program [MERP] through probate proceedings, in addition to understanding the basics of protecting homes from the reach of MERP in the first place. Independent administrations may not always be the best choice, particularly in cases where no statutory waivers apply.  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!

The View from 30,000 Feet: Medicaid Myths All Attorneys Should Know

STUDIO WEBCAST – Nov 10, 2021

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (1.00 hr) Join Stephanie as she explains Medicaid and Medicare mythbusting and challenges common misconceptions about: MERP, Medicaid, and Medicare, as well as protecting the home and other assets with Transfer on Death Planning and Couples Planning for Medicaid. 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!