First Friday Ethics: February 2026
Need ethics credit? We’ve got you covered! UT Law CLE’s First Friday Ethics 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! (1.00 hr ethics)Avoiding Ethical and Sanctions Risks using AI-Based Legal Research (Replay) Hundreds of lawyers and law firms around the country face sanctions or grievance problems resulting from the use of AI-based legal research. Learn how you can avoid the traps that snared your unfortunate colleagues.Scott Rothenberg, Law Offices of Scott Rothenberg - Bellaire, TX (0.50 hr ethics)Fifth Amendment: The Right Way and The Wrong Way (Replay) This presentation focuses on the application of the Fifth Amendment in a discovery context.Anjali Nigam [Accepted] The Nigam Law Firm, PLLC - Houston, TX (0.50 hr ethics)Don’t Forget to Check Your Boxes Before You Close (Replay)This presentation covers a few commonly overlooked items in the lender’s closing checklists that can have a detrimental impact on closing and closing timelines.Clinton J. Kuykendall [Accepted] Jackson Walker LLP - Houston, TX (1.00 hr ethics)Closing the Case and the File: How to Ethically Terminate a Representation When Completed (Replay) Explore the recommended procedures you should have in place to ethically handle both the intake side of client matters, but also what is involved in “closing” files.Claude E. Ducloux [Accepted] Attorney at Law - Austin, TX
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 3.00 hrs | 3.00 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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First Friday Ethics: February 20264.63 out of 5 starsWhat was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.How would you rate the value of the materials provided as part of the course?
Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Operations
Explore the critical intersection of cybersecurity, legal compliance, and business operations. Gain practical insights on building effective partnerships between legal, cyber, and business teams. And learn how organizations can better align their cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives while navigating complex regulatory requirements and emerging technologies.
Includes: Video Audio Paper
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.00 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Operations4.38 out of 5 starsWhat was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.How would you rate the value of the materials provided as part of the course?
Being Ethical in the New Immigration Law Landscape
Session 1: Client Expectations and Counseling Challenges in the Trump Era - The Trump Administration’s immigration policy changes have created new challenges for immigration lawyers in setting reasonable client expectations and in advising clients on the legal risks of available courses of action. Discuss strategies to set and manage expectations in a sea of changing circumstances and law. Session 2: Ethical Challenges Facing Lawyers in the Constantly Changing Immigration World - Explore how immigration lawyers can continue to practice safely and ethically in the wake of the March 2025 presidential memo, which has raised concerns about potential intimidation of the immigration bar. Discuss recent asylum developments and how to navigate shifting policies and political scrutiny while upholding our professional responsibilities.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.50 hrs | 1.25 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Being Ethical in the New Immigration Law Landscape4 out of 5 starsWhat was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.How would you rate the value of the materials provided as part of the course?
Challenges of Registration, Compliance, and Maintenance of Status
Address the implications of the resurrection of registration as an enforcement priority and the challenges of compliance. Discuss the expectations for minors and their guardians as to registration, the removal trap of the change of address requirement, and when to use the new G-325R.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr | 0.25 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Challenges of Registration, Compliance, and Maintenance of StatusNot yet rated
Counsel in the Crosshairs: Legal Decisions During a Data Crisis
This tabletop exercise puts attorneys at the center of a fast moving cyber incident. Legal, regulatory, and reputational consequences hang in the balance as participants collaborate to guide a fictional company through a breach response. And along the way, we’ll meet and interact with key constituents (employees, clients, service providers, regulators). Keep your head on a swivel—we may even catch a glimpse of the threat actor himself!
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.00 hr | 0.75 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Counsel in the Crosshairs: Legal Decisions During a Data CrisisNot yet rated
Current Immigration Law Developments (2025): Executive Actions and Recent Case Law
Session 1: Executive Authority & Immigration: Legal Shifts and Strategic Impacts - An overview of executive actions under the new administration. Session 2: Alien Enemies Act Overview - Discuss the ongoing fight against the Trump Administration's unprecedented invocation and use of the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime authority used only three times in the nation's history. Session 3: Case Law Update - Precedential case law updates spanning 2024 to 2025, with a focus on decisions positive for noncitizens where possible! Hear a discussion on Supreme Court updates, as well as interesting precedent from the Fifth Circuit, other Circuits, and BIA. Topics will include asylum, crimmigration, and more! Session 4: Texas Legislative Updates and the Correlation with Immigration Policy - Explore how recent Texas legislative efforts intersect with immigration policy at the state and federal levels, with a focus on education, workforce participation, criminalization, and legal challenges. Discuss key bills, implementation trends, and implications for immigrant communities across Texas.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 3.25 hrs
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Current Immigration Law Developments (2025): Executive Actions and Recent Case LawNot yet rated
Cyber Threats and Legal Litigation: Understanding Business Email Compromise
Explore the growing threat of Business Email Compromise (BEC) and the current legal trends in this area. Gain insights into how BEC schemes unfold and how potential liability is assessed.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.50 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Cyber Threats and Legal Litigation: Understanding Business Email Compromise4.5 out of 5 starsWhat was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.How would you rate the value of the materials provided as part of the course?
Answer Bar: Data Security Considerations for the Corporate Client
Session 01: In-House Perspectives on Product Innovation, Data Governance and Privacy - A panel of senior privacy and compliance counsel at leading technology companies shares recent experiences and issues encountered at the cutting edge of new business models and rapidly changing legal and compliance landscapes. Session 02: Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Operations - Explore the critical intersection of cybersecurity, legal compliance, and business operations. Gain practical insights on building effective partnerships between legal, cyber, and business teams. And learn how organizations can better align their cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives while navigating complex regulatory requirements and emerging technologies. Session 03: Taking Your Incident Response Plan to the Next Level - An organization’s resiliency to a cyber-attack is critical to mitigating the operational, reputational, and legal impact of the incident. Explore the steps organizations should be taking to take their incident response plans to the next level, including harmonization among various response plans, developing detailed legal and privacy playbooks, and conducting exercises that target the most challenging issues organizations face in cyber-attacks. Session 04: Counsel in the Crosshairs: Legal Decisions During a Data Crisis - This tabletop exercise puts attorneys at the center of a fast moving cyber incident. Legal, regulatory, and reputational consequences hang in the balance as participants collaborate to guide a fictional company through a breach response. And along the way, we’ll meet and interact with key constituents (employees, clients, service providers, regulators). Keep your head on a swivel—we may even catch a glimpse of the threat actor himself! Session 05: Vendor Risk Management - A discussion with industry leaders on cybersecurity issues arising in vendor relationships. The panel discusses third party auditing, cyber incident notification, the recently adopted Reg S-P amendments, and vendor use of AI. Session 06: Ensuring Operational Resilience - How quickly can your organization recover from a cyberattack? This panel examines legal and strategic approaches to maintaining operational resilience, especially in the face of disruptions to critical infrastructure or third-party vendors. Topics include incident response, third-party due diligence, and legal counsel’s role in minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity across complex systems. Session 07: 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 08: 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. Session 09: The Use and Governance of AI in Legal and Compliance Departments - Engage in, and leave with actionable suggestions for, how legal and compliance teams are supporting the use of AI, from piloting a single model within the department to supporting AI governance across the enterprise.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides No Materials
- Total Credit Hours:
- 8.75 hrs | 3.75 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Answer Bar: Data Security Considerations for the Corporate ClientNot yet rated
Ensuring Operational Resilience
How quickly can your organization recover from a cyberattack? This panel examines legal and strategic approaches to maintaining operational resilience, especially in the face of disruptions to critical infrastructure or third-party vendors. Topics include incident response, third-party due diligence, and legal counsel’s role in minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity across complex systems.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.00 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
-
Ensuring Operational Resilience3 out of 5 starsWhat was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.How would you rate the value of the materials provided as part of the course?
Hooked on CLE: February 2026
THIS MONTH: Website Tracking Technologies: Recent Litigation and Best Practices • Tax Planning Opportunities for Small Businesses: Re-evaluating the Toolbox after the OBBBA • Ethics and Practical Uses of AI in Your Law Practice • U.S. Border Searches in the Digital Age • Volunteer Legal Services: The Power of Pro Bono
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 4.00 hrs | 1.00 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Hooked on CLE: February 20264.5 out of 5 starsWhat was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.How would you rate the value of the materials provided as part of the course?
good variety of topics
Federal and State Privacy, Cybersecurity, and AI Enforcement Update (2025)
This session surveys the most consequential federal and state privacy, cybersecurity, and AI enforcement actions and developments of the past year, distilling key themes and identifying the statutes, regulations, and enforcement initiatives driving regulators’ expanding expectations.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.00 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Federal and State Privacy, Cybersecurity, and AI Enforcement Update (2025)Not yet rated
Immigration Detention and Release: Current Issues and Considerations
Session 1: The ABCs of Warrants - Discuss the regulations regarding warrants and how to hold ICE accountable. Session 2: Let's Talk about Detention - Deep-dive into the current state of detentions by DHS and other law enforcement authorities, including detentions at court, USCIS, ICE check-ins, and community & workplace raids. Discuss potential options for release from detention and the changing landscape with respect to parole and bond eligibility. Session 3: Sue ‘Em - Strategies, tips and materials for mandamus, APA, class actions, FOIA and FTCA lawsuits against the government.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 2.50 hrs | 0.25 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Immigration Detention and Release: Current Issues and Considerations3.75 out of 5 starsWhat was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.How would you rate the value of the materials provided as part of the course?
Legal Challenges Arising from Use of Generative AI
A survey of legal landscape surrounding generative AI technologies with the focus on legal issues related to IP, privacy, and litigation.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr | 0.25 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Legal Challenges Arising from Use of Generative AINot yet rated
Mastering a Regulatory Cybersecurity Defense Strategy
The Texas Attorney General has emerged as a significant regulatory enforcement authority for data privacy in the US. In 2023, the Texas legislature passed the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, among other consumer focused privacy legislation. The recent 89th legislature continued the trend by enacting the Texas Responsible Artificial intelligence Governance Act (“TRIAGA”) among some other activity focused on expanding consumer privacy protection. This discusses the enforcement activity and priorities through the lenses of an outside counsel and an in house attorney focused on building in a regulatory and litigation defense strategy as part of a company’s compliance program. The goal is to have an interactive discussion so that you have take-aways to consider for your client’s risk mitigation plan.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.00 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Mastering a Regulatory Cybersecurity Defense StrategyNot yet rated
Parole: Current Developments and Future Arguments
An overview of parole, current developments regarding parole (in particular the termination of various parole programs), arguments that can be made regarding parole, and a discussion of advance parole.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Parole: Current Developments and Future ArgumentsNot yet rated
Removal Issues (2025)
Discuss practical tips and legal strategies to arm yourself and fight for your client against the onslaught of new caselaw, EOIR policy memoranda, OPLA practices, ICE tactics, and other horrific changes in enforcement and removal proceedings under the Trump Administration.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.00 hr | 0.25 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
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Removal Issues (2025)Not yet rated
The Use and Governance of AI in Legal and Compliance Departments
Engage in, and leave with actionable suggestions for, how legal and compliance teams are supporting the use of AI, from piloting a single model within the department to supporting AI governance across the enterprise.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.00 hr | 1.00 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
-
The Use and Governance of AI in Legal and Compliance Departments4 out of 5 starsWhat was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.How would you rate the value of the materials provided as part of the course?
U.S. Border Searches in the Digital Age
What is the required quantum of suspicion? And what is considered "reasonableness" in our time?
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
-
U.S. Border Searches in the Digital AgeNot yet rated
Website Tracking Technologies: Recent Litigation and Best Practices
Examine the evolving legal landscape surrounding website tracking technologies, including recent litigation trends and regulatory developments. Hear insights into key cases involving pixel tracking, session replay, and cookie consent, and how these impact compliance strategies. And receive practical guidance and best practices for mitigating legal risk while maintaining effective digital marketing and analytics operations.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
-
Website Tracking Technologies: Recent Litigation and Best PracticesNot yet rated
Workplace Issues in the Era of Immigration Enforcement
Session 1: The ABCs of Warrants - Discuss the regulations regarding warrants and how to hold ICE accountable. Session 2: Worksite Audits and Raids: What to Expect in 2026 - Refresher on warrants and subpoenas, employer and employee rights, civil and criminal penalties. Session 3: Employment Issues - Review current trends in employment-based immigration, including updates and strategies in RFE trends in H-1B, L-1, TN and I-140 Cases; I-9 and worksite compliance & OCAHO updates; PERM backlogs and tips for maintenance of nonimmigrant status; E-Verify compliance and state activity.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 2.25 hrs | 0.25 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 1/31/2027
-
Workplace Issues in the Era of Immigration EnforcementNot yet rated