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

Deep in the Heart of the Texas Business Courts: What Attorneys Need to Know (Replay)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Dec 18, 2024

12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (1.00 hr) Deep in the Heart of the Texas Business Courts: What Attorneys Need to Know (Replay) 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

First Friday Ethics (September 2023)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Sep 1, 2023

9:00 a.m. to 12:30 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: 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Lawyers Behaving Badly (REPLAY) The hosts of the Lawyers Behaving Badly podcast share true but outrageous stories about lawyers being less than their best selves.   Karen Delaney, Delaney Legal PLLC - Frisco, TX Jennifer Judge, Destination Pet, LLC - Plano, TX 9:55 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Social Media Hot Topics (REPLAY) Should social media platforms be civilly liable for the content that their users post? Is the content moderation on platforms like Facebook and Twitter subject to statutes like those passed in Florida and Texas? Come hear the latest on these issues currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as other cutting edge topics in social media - like service of process via social media and even NFTs, the evidentiary value of emoji and memes, and the limits on how lawyers can ethically respond to online criticism. John G. Browning, Spencer Fane / Faulkner Law School - Plano, TX 10:50 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics)  Practicing of Law Across State Lines, Cross Border Issues and Privacy (REPLAY) Privacy laws continue to develop and evolve as regulators promulgate regulations and laws that seek to protect and permit individual privacy rights and remedies. Gain insight on issues that arise in privacy, including COPA and biometric data, and will discuss the expectation for the development of new privacy laws within the United States and best practices to adopt when responding to privacy incidents and advising clients and internal stakeholders. Skyla R. Banks, Amplitude, Inc. - Dallas, TX Fisayo Fadelu, Pecan Street - Austin, TX Brice White, Meta, Inc. - Dallas, TX 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics)  Appeals from Sanctions Orders (REPLAY) Sanctions orders can have devastating impacts on both attorneys and their clients. Learn the latest cutting-edge techniques for obtaining, avoiding, appealing, and keeping trial court sanctions orders. Scott Rothenberg, Law Offices of Scott Rothenberg - 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 (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!

First Friday Ethics (January 2023)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Jan 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) Sign Right Here A survey of provisions for your attorney client agreements from “must haves” to “optional”clauses. Claude E. Ducloux, Attorney at Law - Austin, TX   11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) You’ve Received a Grievance or Sanctions Motion – What Now? (REPLAY) Receiving a grievance or a sanctions motion can be very upsetting for lawyers, but it doesn’t have to be. Please join Scott Rothenberg for an informative, reassuring, step-by-step process on what to do when a grievance or sanctions motion comes knocking at your office door. Scott Rothenberg, Law Office of Scott Rothenberg - Bellaire, TX   12:20 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics)  Mental Health in Light of Difficult Clients and Difficult Practices (REPLAY) How to develop post-traumatic growth and be psychologically and emotionally strong when working in the ongoing stress of working with trauma survivors. Review self-care and maintaining balance both professionally and personally. Bernadette Hassan Solórzano, Our Lady of the Lake University Community Counseling Service - San Antonio, TX 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics)TBD Redaction “Fails" (REPLAY) This presentation explains how to properly shield confidential information in public filings. Matthew Murrell, The University of Texas at Austin 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!