eCourses

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: (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Practical Considerations and Implications of Generative AI (Replay) An overview of practical considerations and implications for the in-house use and governance of generative AI.   Emily Westridge Black, Shearman & Sterling LLP - Austin, TX Steven Gyeszly, Marathon Oil - Houston, TX Karl V. Hopkins, Bradley - Houston, TX (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Mum’s the Word: Maintaining Client Confidentiality 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.  Jeff Chadwick, Winstead PC - The Woodlands, TX (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Understanding the Changes to the Texas Disciplinary Rules in the 2024 Referendum The State Bar is holding a referendum from April 1-30 for the Bar to vote on 12 new and amended disciplinary rules. The presentation will discuss each of the proposed changes and additions to the rules. Robert L. Tobey, Johnston Tobey Baruch, P.C. - Dallas, TX

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

The State Bar is holding a referendum from April 1-30 for the Bar to vote on 12 new and amended disciplinary rules. The presentation will discuss each of the proposed changes and additions to the rules.

Includes: Slides

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: (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Techniques for Negotiating With Difficult Counterparties (Replay) Hear advice on how to negotiate contracts with difficult counterparties, and explore the importance of our own mindset and how to manage our emotions in these situations. Walk through five types of outrageous negotiation positions and effective responses to defuse and reset the tone of the discussions. Laura Frederick, How to Contract - Austin, TX (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) The Grievance Process and Most Common Violations (Replay) 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 (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Practical Uses of AI in M&A: Large Language Models to Create New Realities (Replay) What if you could review thousands of contracts, determine the potential risk of anti-assignment clauses, and have a first draft of a memo in under 15 minutes? Over the past year, the legal profession has seen incredible advances in the use of artificial intelligence that are making these possibilities a reality. Large Language Models, such as those fueling ChatGPT, have introduced incredible transformational potential for M&A work. Learn more about what is possible, including ethical considerations, in this new reality. Kenton S. Brice, University of Oklahoma College of Law - Norman, OK (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Work Product and Attorney-Client Privilege after In Re Grand Jury: Where Do We Go From Here? (Replay) The law regarding when privileges and protections apply to tax advice was anything but clear leading up to the Supreme Court oral argument in In re: Grand Jury; the Court’s decision to dismiss the case as “improvidently granted” dashed the hopes of tax professionals hoping for a nationwide standard! Hear a review of the current state of the law post-In re: Grand Jury with an emphasis on the Fifth Circuit and how the law there differs from others around the country. Melissa L. Wiley, Lowenstein Sandler LLP - Washington, DC

Includes: Paper Slides

Session 01: 2023 Case Law Update - A survey of recent Texas cases addressing significant issues (fiduciary duties, piercing the entity veil, and more) in the context of LLCs and partnerships (including limited partnerships and LLPs). Session 02: Texas Legislative Update for Partnerships and LLCs - Summary of selected bills passed in the 2023 Texas Legislature affecting partnerships and limited liability companies. Session 03: 2023 Secretary of State Update - Learn about filing tips and resources that will make your transactions with the Secretary of State easier and more predictable; hear updates on notable legislation and our system modernization initiative. Session 04: Updates from Delaware - A survey of recent Delaware cases addressing significant issues, including fiduciary duties, elimination of fiduciary duties and contractual interpretation in the context of LLCs and partnerships (including limited partnerships and LLPs). Session 05: S corporations: A Cautionary Tale about Squaring the Circle - A discussion of some of the motivations driving the use of LLCs as S corporations, some of the potential issues and some of the drafting and structuring issues that should be considered if an LLC is taxed as an S corporation.  Session 06: Updated Model LLC Agreements - Review three model agreements tailored for a closely held company, including a discussion of some recent changes in the models as well as decisions that the authors made in drafting the models to help improve your drafting skills and result in better operating agreements. Session 07: Drafting Net Profit Agreements - Net profits agreements are used in transactions where the parties have an interest in sharing in profits but do not want to create or participate in an entity arrangement with the parties involved.  Net profits agreements raise a number of issues which may be as basic as the very definition of what the parties intend to share, as well as the methods of payout, the impact on tax consequences of these arrangements and concerns relating to the unintended partnership. Review the issues lawyers may need to consider with their clients to draft an effective net profits agreement.  Session 08: Provisions Limiting Liability and Duties in Partnership and Company Agreements - This panel will discuss the effectiveness and limitations on provisions of partnership and company agreements which provide for the modification of duties, exoneration from liability and indemnification with respect to claims against managers, members and other employees and agents.   Session 09: Effective Engagement Letters and Other Simple Risk-Management Tools - This ethics CLE presentation will look at engagement letters and how they can be used as a risk management tool. Along they way, the presentation will provide practical tips to help lawyers avoid conflict of interest pitfalls and to assist in controlling client expectations about the scope of the representation. Session 10: Multiparty Representation —Entity Formation - A deep-dive into the knurly problems of multi-party representation of start-up companies, including whether the client is the founder or founders or the company is yet to be formed. The ethical difficulties for the lawyer continue after formation as the company and its founders, directors and officers move beyond formation of the entity into the realm of operations.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Session 1: Intro to AI: Registering Works that Incorporate Artificial Intelligence - The last year has seen a dramatic expansion in the use of generative AI technologies, which has prompted questions about the copyrightability of AI-generated works. Get up to speed on the U.S. Copyright Office’s AI initiative, walk through the Office’s views on registering works generated in whole or in part by AI, and answer some frequently asked questions. Session 2: Navigating the Minefield of AI-Generated Content - The spread of generative artificial intelligence has raised a host of questions in areas of law spanning copyright, right of publicity, privacy and others. Hear perspectives on those emerging questions and where the law may be headed. Session 3:Chatting ChatGPT - Get a fast-paced introduction to emerging AI technologies that lawyers need to know about, including a demonstration of these breakthroughs with a focus on the risks of using these technologies without understanding how they work.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

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: (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) ChatGPT Ethics (Replay) Topic description generated by ChatGPT: Using ChatGPT for legal purposes promises efficient information processing, yet raises ethical concerns including client confidentiality and the risk of providing inaccurate advice. It is paramount that attorneys ensure adequate supervision, maintain professional discretion, and stay vigilant about the tool's limitations to uphold their ethical obligations. Henson Adams, Haynes Boone, LLP, San Antonio, TX Dominique Baldwin, Haynes Boone, LLP, Houston, TX (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics)            Deal Ethics (Replay)            A discussion on a number of ethical issues that come up in an M&A practice, including whether the same firm can represent two bidders for the                   same target, other conflicts of interest, the no-contact rule, managing the lawyer’s duty for truthfulness and protecting the client’s privilege.                       David I. Albin, Finn Dixon & Herling LLP, Stamford, CT                       Nathaniel L. Doliner, Carlton Fields, Tampa, FL                       Robert R. Kibby, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.,  Dallas, TX (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Setting Boundaries with Clients and Colleagues (Replay) Using mindset mastery practices to improve attorney wellness by setting boundaries in your work. Kiele Linroth Pace, Pacefirm Consulting, LLC, Austin, TX

Includes: Video Audio Slides

THIS MONTH: Contracting with Third-Party Vendors: Top Risk and Privacy Law Considerations • IRAs In Estate Planning, or Trust Me, I'm an EDB for RMDs After the RBD • Beating the Expert • Running Your Law Firm as a Business • The Unruly Client

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Session 01: Does Intelligence Equal Competence? Navigating Artificial Intelligence in the Practice of Law - Artificial Intelligence may be embedded in tools, or may even be a tool itself, that helps lawyers better meet client needs. But, it is no different than other conventional tools and technologies used by lawyers—they must be used in conjunction with a lawyer’s duty to provide competent representation. Session 02: IP Considerations for Generative AI - My company is at the edge of technology: we use generative AI for software development to invent a new product. Should and can we file a patent application naming the generative AI as an inventor, and what patenting strategy should we adopt? What are the IP implications of using open source software (OSS) to train the generative AI or if the generative AI itself is an OSS model? ​Session 03: Inventing Tomorrow: A Guide to Claiming and Patenting AI Creations - This presentation covers various topics on patents in AI including: why we should pursue patents in AI (open source vs. IP rights), how we can claim an AI invention (target, detectability, eligibility), and additional thoughts on the future landscape of AI patents. Session 04: License on Transfer: Lessons Learned from The Founder and Implications for AI - The license on transfer network (lotnet.com) reduces the patent assertion entity problem for 3,200 plus member companies covering approximately four million patent assets by leveraging a royalty-free networked patent license. The founder of the lot network shares lessons learned over the past decade, implications for the future, and opportunities for similar collaborative efforts in AI.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Ransomware attacks continue to plague companies and organizations. What factors should be considered as part of your response? Who, inside and outside your organization, should be at the table making those decisions? How has the ransomware landscape evolved that can impact the decision on whether to pay or not? The decision on whether to pay a ransomware or cyber extortion demand can be complex, dynamic, and highly circumstance specific. 

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Session 01: Beyond IT Security: Legal and Cyber Security Considerations in the OT World - Industrial Control Systems and Operational Technology have unique challenges and risks. Explore some of those risks from service disruption and data disclosure, as well as the legal and technical considerations and mitigations and some of the risk implications of emerging AI technology. Session 02: Data Governance - Review the “lifecycle” of data (mis)managed by our clients and by our own organizations. Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and ABA Model Rules guide how proactive approaches to data governance keep us ethical and sane, and save future time and tempers. Session 03: Assessing Your Privacy Law Risk: What Does Reasonable Security Actually Mean? - All of the recently enacted and effective state consumer data privacy laws require that covered businesses implement a “reasonable” security program. Likewise, covered businesses are required to include clauses in their agreements with service providers, contractors and other third parties that impose a duty to protect disclosed personal data with “reasonable” security. Learn from a regulator, an in-house general counsel and an outside privacy counsel what this means and what it looks like and how to do it in your own law firm or company. Session 04: Developing an Effective Incident Response Plan - Walk through the main components you want to have in place for your incident response plan, including what to include and what NOT to include, OFAC implications, and more. Session 05: Contracting with Third-Party Vendors: Top Risk and Privacy Law Considerations - A primer on how to revise third-party vendor contracts to include cybersecurity and privacy law provisions, perform cybersecurity vendor due diligence, and what you need to know to best protect yourself or clients from regulatory scrutiny. Session 06: Do You Know What Your Outside Counsel is Doing to Protect Client Information? - Law firms are now targets for hackers, including nation-state actors that seek to steal sensitive and valuable client information and cause disruption and other damages. Are your outside counsel taking the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of your information? Session 07: The Role of the Board: Before, During and After a Cybersecurity Incident - A summary from sitting board members and board governance experts on obligations, tips, and best practices for boards in preparing for and responding to cybersecurity incidents, and in affectively evaluating and addressing the attendant risks.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides No Materials

All of the recently enacted and effective state consumer data privacy laws require that covered businesses implement a “reasonable” security program. Likewise, covered businesses are required to include clauses in their agreements with service providers, contractors and other third parties that impose a duty to protect disclosed personal data with “reasonable” security. Learn from a regulator, an in-house general counsel and an outside privacy counsel what this means and what it looks like and how to do it in your own law firm or company.

Includes: Video Audio

A primer on how to revise third-party vendor contracts to include cybersecurity and privacy law provisions, perform cybersecurity vendor due diligence, and what you need to know to best protect yourself or clients from regulatory scrutiny.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Walk through the main components you want to have in place for your incident response plan, including what to include and what NOT to include, OFAC implications, and more.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

This cyber insurance discussion explores how insurance responds to a cybersecurity or ransomware incident and discusses where to look for coverage, how to maximize it, and missteps to avoid jeopardizing your coverage. It also addresses hot topics like social engineering coverage, the war exclusion, and insuring ransoms.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

An overview of practical considerations and implications for the in-house use and governance of generative AI.  

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Hear an SEC enforcement attorney and defense counsel discuss the latest on Commission rules, enforcement actions, and current priorities related to cybersecurity.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

ChatGPT and its large language model cohorts have captured the public imagination and, for many, raised the specter of an AI-driven revolution to legal education and practice. Survey challenges and opportunities, and report on existing or potential approaches to the use or restriction of modern AI in legal practice and education.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

THIS MONTH: How Does the Recent NLRB Memo Affect Texas Non-Competes? • Common IP Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them • Preparing Witnesses for Depositions • Show Me the Money: Owelty Liens and Equity Buyouts in a Divorce • Working with Your Colleagues: Not Working Against Your Enemies

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Session 1: When is Ticketing Like Pork Bellies? Current Legislation on Speculative Tickets and Resale Royalties - Explore selected state and federal ticketing legislation, with focus on solutions proposed to the Georgia Legislature to protect consumers, artists and venues from predatory resellers and business practices. Session 2: Coexisting with Creative: Primer On Advertising Law - “Advertising law” refers to the areas of the law that govern businesses’ communications to customers. Advertising law combines concepts from legal disciplines such as intellectual property, consumer protection, First Amendment, entertainment, communications, privacy and commercial transactions. In this presentation we introduce some of the primary legal concerns in advertising, including clearance, substantiation and special considerations for digital marketing and adtech. Session 3: Job Duties: Ethical Challenges in the Attorney-Paralegal Relationship - This session reviews common ethical pitfalls in the attorney-paralegal relationship, including avoiding inadvertent breaches of confidentiality and the unauthorized practice of law. 

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

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: (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 (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 (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

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides