Category: Solo & Small Firm, Ethics, Professionalism Category: Solo & Small Firm, Ethics, Professionalism (show less)

Welcome
Program Chairs, Bill Curphey & Megan Murray
 
Ethical Minefield of Working with Difficult Clients
Elizabeth Tarbert, Division Director, Lawyer Regulation, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee
Navigating challenging client relationships can be an inevitable part of legal practice, but it doesn't have to be a professional nightmare. This CLE will equip you with essential strategies to maintain professional integrity and ethically protect your practice. We'll cover setting firm boundaries and implementing effective communication techniques (including best practices for texting), understanding the ethical considerations of withdrawing from representation while still securing fees, practical approaches for addressing negative online reviews within the ethics rules and other minefields.
 
Client Vulnerability vs. Incapacity: Legal Definitions and Distinctions in Florida
Shannon Miller, The Miller Elder Law Firm, Gainesville
Shannon Miller, Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Elder law, will provide information to help us recognize vulnerability (Fla. Stat. 415.102) and/or incapacity (Fla. Stat. 744) to ethically represent our clients. She will provide the latest research on vulnerability and exploitability, along with the tools available to help prevent and stop exploitation scams in Florida.
 
Avoiding the Disciplinary System by Managing Legal Challenges with Professionalism and Ethics
Brian Tannebaum, Brian L. Tannebaum PA., Miami
When confronting the inherent stresses of challenging clients, opposing counsel, and judicial pressures, lawyers need to uphold unwavering professionalism and ethical standards while proactively safeguarding their mental health. A failure to do so can undermine one's integrity and lead to disciplinary action, that will be discussed in this segment.
 
Ethics in Mediation. Does it really exist?
Roy Kobert, Roy Kobert Mediation, National Board Certified in Business Bankruptcy Law, Orlando
A deep dive into the interplay of puffing vs. outright lying.  Where is the ethical fine line today?

Civility, Professionalism, Ethics, and Excellence: A Judicial Perspective
The Honorable Thomas P. Thompson, III, 5th Judicial Circuit for Marion County, Ocala
This session will offer valuable guidance on maintaining integrity, civility, and respect in even the most challenging legal environments. It will provide practical takeaways to strengthen your courtroom presence and uphold the highest standards of legal professionalism and ethical obligations.  Topics will include real-life examples that highlight both exemplary conduct and common ethical pitfalls encountered by attorneys and other courtroom participants and how to avoid them.