First Friday Ethics (May 2025)

STUDIO WEBCAST – May 2, 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 11:00 a.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Update on Conflicts of Interest (Replay) An overview and analysis of the rules, case law and ethics opinions regarding conflicts of interest rules including simultaneous representation of potentially adverse clients, positional conflicts, conflicts involving the lawyer’s personal interest, imputed disqualification, conflicts involving insurance, conflicts regarding former or prospective clients, and conflicts arising from pre-retention contacts. Dennis P. Duffy, Kane Russell Coleman & Logan PC - Houston, TX 11:10 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Special Needs Trusts Ethics Jeopardy (Replay) Attorneys and trustees need to clearly understand their ethical obligations. Using the Jeopardy game show format, in this interactive session, the presenters cover various ethical issues encountered in a special needs practice, providing the answers while the audience provides the questions. Mary Alice Jackson, Boyer & Boyer P.A. - Sarasota, FL Bryn A. Poland, Mayo & Poland PLLC - Baytown, TX 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Privacy, Cyber, and Ethical Challenges of Data Governance (Replay) Learn about the challenges faced by in-house and outside counsel in harmonizing ethical practices and privacy compliance in data governance programs as new technologies continuously change the way data can be collected and used. Kristy Sambor, SailPoint Technologies - Austin, TX Ken Suh, Troutman Pepper Locke - Chicago, IL 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Artificial Intelligence as a Core Competence: And Ethics Lesson (Replay) Identify the ethical issues raised under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. In further exploring the practical use cases for AI products, platforms, and machine learning technology within an underdeveloped security regime, this presentation will alert practitioners to common pitfalls relating to clients communications, confidentiality, and fees within the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI usage. Wesley Nute, Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson, P.C. - Irving, 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 (June 2025)

STUDIO WEBCAST – Jun 6, 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) Deep in the Heart of the Texas Business Courts: What Attorneys Need to Know (Replay) Hear the ins and outs of the new Texas Business Court, including its jurisdiction, its judges, and its unique procedures. Mitch Ackal, Gray Reed - Houston, TX Brock Niezgoda, Gray Reed - Houston, TX 11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Developing an AI Governance Program (Replay) Practical guidance and considerations in developing and implementing governance around the internal use of AI. Emily Westridge Black, Shearman & Sterling LLP - Austin, TX Steven Gyeszly, Houston, TX 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Avoiding Burnout (Replay) Delve into the crucial importance of wellness and burnout prevention in the legal profession. Discover why safeguarding your well-being is essential for sustaining a successful and fulfilling legal career. Kiele Linroth Pace, Pacefirm Consulting, LLC - Austin, TX Michelle Fontenot, Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program - 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!

Previous Studio Webcasts Now Available On Demand

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!

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!