First Friday Ethics (January 2025)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Jan 3, 2025

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 10:45 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Mum's the Word: Maintaining Client Confidentiality and Dealing with Ethical Challenges while Working from Anywhere and Everywhere (Replay) Working remotely and virtual meetings are here to stay. This presentation provides practical suggestions for structuring engagement letters, addressing conflicts of interest, and safeguarding client communications across all mediums. Braxton Wilks, Winstead PC - Austin, TX   10:55 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Serving Two Masters (Replay) Discuss conflicts that arise between “clients,” the tripartite relationship, Tilley and its aftermath, the ethical dilemmas lawyers face, and knowing who you really represent. Gayla Corley, MehaffyWeber, P.C. - San Antonio, TX   11:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Generative AI: Developments and Ethical Implications (Replay) Harnessing the power of AI to drive new ways of doing business and increasing growth is something all organizations are trying to do. The use of generative AI creates risks to organizations including violation of privacy, inaccurate or false representations, and unethical practices, to name a few. Implementing the right controls and ethics training alongside generative AI is necessary – so where do you start? Brooke A. Hopkins, Alvarez & Marsal - Dallas, TX Emily R. Apte, King & Spalding - Austin, TX Robert Denby, Vinson & Elkins LLP - Houston, TX Daniel Meyers, TransPerfect Legal - Dallas, TX Matt Wernz, Federal Trade Commission - Dallas, TX 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Sanctions and Privileges (Replay) Sanctions: How to get them or avoid them. Privileges: How to keep them or lose them. Hon. H. DeWayne "Cooter" Hale, Retired U.S. Bankruptcy Judge - Dallas, TX Trip Nix, Holland & Knight 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!

2024 Updates in Gas and Power

STUDIO WEBCAST – Oct 8, 2024

STUDIO WEBCAST (REPLAY) – Feb 27, 2025

2024 Updates in Gas and Power - 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (2.75 hr) Join us to hear the latest and most essential updates impacting the gas and power industry this year. This live webcast (replay on February 27) runs through the latest case law, updates in the gas market, what's happening with the Texas Energy Fund, and a PUC Regulatory Update with Commissioner Cobos.   8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. (0.50 hr) Texas Energy Funds Basics and Next Steps             Alaina Zermeno, Husch Blackwell LLP - Austin, TX 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (0.75 hr) PUC Regulatory Updates              Commissioner Lori Cobos, Public Utility Commission of Texas - Austin, TX 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (0.75 hr) Gas Market Updates             Robert W. Gee, Gee Strategies Group, LLC - Falls Church, VA 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (0.75 hr) Case Law Update Holly Heinrich, Husch Blackwell 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

First Friday Ethics (March 2024)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Mar 1, 2024

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) How to Avoid Malpractice in a Post-Pandemic Legal World Law practice has been forever changed by the Covid-19 pandemic with the widespread adoption of remote work. While “work from home” has been eagerly embraced by many lawyers, it has caused an increase in age-old ethical problems for lawyers. This course is designed to help practitioners avoid conflicts and unintended clients, safeguard client confidentiality, maintain competence, and form better communication habits with their clients, other attorneys and staff. Robert L. Tobey, Johnston Tobey Baruch, P.C., Dallas, TX 11:10 a.m. to 12:10 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 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) What Texas Lawyers Need to Know About Human Rights Considerations in Connection to Mega Sports Events (Replay) 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   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!

First Friday Ethics (January 2024)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Jan 5, 2024

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) 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 11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. (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 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (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   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!

First Friday Ethics (December 2023)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Dec 1, 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 10:45 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) 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. Nicole E. Jackson, Rosenblatt Law Firm - San Antonio, TX   10:55 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) A Lawyer's Duty in a Democracy Under Attack (Replay) An examination of lawyers' duty to support the Constitution and democratic principles when they are being challenged.  Michael Curry, Attorney-Mediator - Austin, TX 11:50 a.m to 12:50 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Sign Right Here (Replay) A survey of provisions for your attorney client agreements from “must haves” to “optional” clauses. Claude E. Ducloux, Attorney at Law - Austin, TX 1:00 p.m to 1:30 p.m. (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) The "Difficult" Clients (Replay) Explore how to define, spot, course correct and terminate “difficult” clients and client relationships. John B. Henry III, Law Office of John B. Henry, III, PLLC - Bellaire, 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!

First Friday Ethics (November 2023)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Nov 3, 2023

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) The Unruly Client (Replay) Ethical duties and practical advice for working with clients who don’t see eye to eye with you.    Paul Wingo, Hamilton Wingo, LLP - Dallas, TX 11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Ethics in the Age of AI: Legal Practice Transformations (Replay) Gain insight into the ethical dilemmas that arise when utilizing ChatGPT and similar generative AI technologies in the legal field. Hear a discussion addressing the potential pitfalls and evolving responsibilities of Texas partnership attorneys in this new era. Robert R. Keatinge, Holland & Hart LLP - Denver, CO Kayla Landeros, Baylor Law School and West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, PC - Waco, TX 12:20 p.m to 1:20 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Implicit Bias: What Your Brain is Up to When You’re Not Paying Attention (Replay) 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. Hon. Audrey Moorehead, Dallas County Criminal Court #3 - Dallas, TX Jonathan E. Smaby, Texas Center for Legal Ethics - 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!

Reflections on the U.S. Supreme Court

STUDIO WEBCAST – Sep 6, 2023

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (1.00 hr) Reflections on the U.S. Supreme Court This presentation situates current debates over the Supreme Court—and potential reforms thereto—within a broader historical context. Stephen Vladeck, The University of Texas School of 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!

Religious Accommodation: A Conflict of Rights

STUDIO WEBCAST – May 16, 2023

10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (0.75 hr) Religious Accommodation: A Conflict of Rights A Conflict of Rights: this topic explores the meaning of religion under Title VII, the intersection of accommodation claims on the one hand and harassment claims on the other, and the shifting understanding of undue burden with respect to religious beliefs and practices. The session also includes a practical discussion of the competing interests that arise when religion and work meet. Jason Boulette, Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P. - 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!

First Friday Ethics (April 2023)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Apr 7, 2023

9:45 a.m. to 1:15 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 3.25 hrs ethics credit. Fulfill your entire annual ethics requirement in Texas in one day!   This month includes:   9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) A Lawyer's Duty in a Democracy Under Attack Michael Curry, Attorney-Mediator - Austin, TX   10:40 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Ethics “Game Show” (REPLAY) Elizabeth G. (Heidi) Bloch, Greenberg Traurig, LLP - Austin, TX Mia Lorick, Locke Lord LLP - Houston, TX Laurie Ratliff, Laurie Ratliff LLC - Austin, TX Jane M. N. Webre, Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP - Austin, TX   11:35 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Ted Lasso Ethics (REPLAY) Charlie Ginn, McCraw Law Group - McKinney, TX 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) There Is No Bias, Said Nobody Ever (REPLAY) Hon. Audrey Moorehead, Dallas County Criminal Court #3 - 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!

First Friday Ethics (February 2023)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Feb 3, 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) 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 naughty list.  A.J. Singleton, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC - Lexington, KY   11:10 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics)  Protecting Privilege? The Evolving Role of Attorney-Client Privilege in Cybersecurity Incidents and Responses (REPLAY) This session analyzes the advantages and limitations of including outside counsel during incident response. Jeremy Rucker, Spencer Fane - Plano, TX   12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics)  Acting Ethically Even While Seething with Dislike (REPLAY) Here we are, trying to be ethical professionals in the middle of a swirling culture of contempt. It has become very easy to see clients and counsel who disagree with us, not as merely incorrect, but as worthless and defective. How do we function ethically within today’s culture? Together we'll lay out cutting-edge behavioral research, ancient wisdom, current anecdotes, and common sense to create a pathway beyond mere tolerance and co-existence. DeDe Church, DeDe Church & Associates, LLC - Austin, TX 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics)  Recent Changes to the Advertising and Solicitation Rules: The Highlights (REPLAY) Comprehensive changes to the Texas Disciplinary Rules governing advertisements and solicitations became effective in 2021. This presentation highlights some of the most notable changes. Jason Panzer, Herring & Panzer, L.L.P. - 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!