First Friday Ethics: September 2025
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: What is a Lawyer’s Responsibility in a Democracy Under Duress? How should lawyers respond to actions that threaten democracy and the rule of law? Michael D. Curry, Attorney-Mediator - Austin, TX AI Update (Replay) Artificial intelligence has been in the legal and cultural zeitgeist for a few years now. Explore the transformative effects (and lack thereof) of artificial intelligence on the legal industry in that time. Examine both the advancements and limitations, highlighting how AI has streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and where it still falls short in replacing human expertise. Henson Adams, Haynes Boone, LLP - San Antonio, TX Texas Business Courts: The First 6+ Months (Replay) A view from the Business Court & Fifteenth Court of Appeals: rules, procedures, and cases. Hon. Sofia Adrogué, Texas Business Court Eleventh Division - Houston, TX Hon. Scott A. Brister, Fifteenth Court of Appeals - Austin, TX Ethics Lessons from HBO’s Succession (Replay) HBO's hit series "Succession" follows a fictional media company led by a legendary patriarch. As the title suggests, the patriarch's children are angling to seize the throne and succeed their father as the company's CEO. Track the power plays of the company's C-level executives and general counsel, explaining whether their on-screen actions comply with specific ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (spoiler alert: most of the time, they don't.). Brent A. Turman, Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP - Dallas, TX
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 3.00 hrs | 3.00 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 9/30/2026
-
First Friday Ethics: September 20254.12 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?
An excellent discourse regarding lawyers special role, opportunity and duty to participate in the protection and enhancement of the democratic principles and processes on which this country was founded and so many have died defending.
The presentation on the business court was boring, even by the standard of CLE presentations. The final presentation speaker was entertaining.
Answer Bar: Maximizing Technology in Your Law Practice
Session 1: The Duty of Technology Competence - Understand the importance of technology competence for your practice and the ethical obligations to be competent. Explore the current landscape and recent decisions in this area, as well as common problem areas for attorneys. Session 2: Conducting Cost-Effective E-Discovery and the Use of Technology Assisted Review (TAR) - Examine how technology-based processes, specifically technology assisted review (TAR), can be cost-effective and efficient solutions for e-discovery in litigation. This session highlights situations where TAR is often the preferred tool over attorney review and flags times that it is not, and discusses how to address contentious issues that may arise in TAR-related negotiations with opposing counsel. Session 3: Communication - Attorneys have a duty to keep client communication secure. Get practical tips on conducting communication with the courts or with opposing counsel, as well email filtering and its impacts on communication including filing deadlines, etc. Session 4: AI Update - Artificial intelligence has been in the legal and cultural zeitgeist for a few years now. Explore the transformative effects (and lack thereof) of artificial intelligence on the legal industry in that time. Examine both the advancements and limitations, highlighting how AI has streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and where it still falls short in replacing human expertise. Session 5: Use of AI in Litigation - Understanding the basics of how AI works, the dangers and pitfalls with current AI technology, and ways AI can (or should not) be used in litigation.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 3.75 hrs | 3.00 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 8/31/2026
-
Answer Bar: Maximizing Technology in Your Law Practice4.07 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?
First Friday Ethics: June 2025
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) 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 (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 (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
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 3.00 hrs | 3.00 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 5/31/2026
-
First Friday Ethics: June 20254.38 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?
Texas Business Courts: The First 6+ Months
A view from the Business Court & Fifteenth Court of Appeals - Rules, Procedures, Cases & Know-How
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr | 0.75 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 5/31/2026
-
Texas Business Courts: The First 6+ Months4.18 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?
Especially enjoyed Chief Justice Brister's comments.
AI Update
Artificial intelligence has been in the legal and cultural zeitgeist for a few years now. Explore the transformative effects (and lack thereof) of artificial intelligence on the legal industry in that time. Examine both the advancements and limitations, highlighting how AI has streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and where it still falls short in replacing human expertise.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr | 0.75 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
AI Update4.25 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?
Case Updates 2025: U.S. vs. Osage Wind and In re Winter Storm Uri
Session 01: Case Update: U.S. vs. Osage Wind LLC and the Outcome - Learn about an 11-year legal odyssey involving the Osage Nation’s challenge to a large wind farm, including 84 wind turbines situated on fee land within the Osage Reservation in Oklahoma, without a “mining” permit. After a significant Tenth Circuit reversal, a federal judge granted a permanent injunction, found the project to be a continuing trespass and ordered a trial on damages and conversion. It’s a cautionary tale about tribal sovereignty, land use requirements, the need for community engagement and building support for renewable energy projects. Session 02: Case Update: In re Winter Storm Uri - Winter Storm Uri had an impact across all 254 counties, and the ensuing Multi-District Litigation has seen several phases and appeals. Review the history of the case and update of its current status.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.00 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Case Updates 2025: U.S. vs. Osage Wind and In re Winter Storm Uri4.48 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?
enjoyed the comprehensive context given for each presentation/case
Both segments were interesting and each illuminated important legal issues.
Co-located Large Loads and Renewable Generation in Texas
Co-locating large loads behind the meter creates a win-win. Explore how the renewable generation project maximizes its production of carbon-free electricity, and how the buyer gets lower-cost green energy.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.00 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Co-located Large Loads and Renewable Generation in Texas3.96 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?
Important topic. I would have appreciated more discussion of this on a national level.
Dual Use Projects
Learn about dual-use projects, their key benefits, common challenges, and the growing universe of incentive programs.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.50 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Dual Use Projects3 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?
Empowering the Grid: Title Considerations in Renewable Energy Deals
Explore the unique title challenges in renewable energy transactions. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, understanding the intricacies of title work in this sector is crucial. Gain valuable insights into navigating title issues in renewable projects and how they differ from the traditional commercial and residential title insurance projects.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Empowering the Grid: Title Considerations in Renewable Energy Deals4.33 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?
Financing 101: Introduction to Construction Financing and Tax Equity Investments for Renewable Energy Transactions
Session 01: Finance: Introduction to Structure of Construction Financing & Role of Key Parties - Listen to a discussion about the basics of construction finance, loan agreements and their key provisions, conditions to closing, and schedules and exhibits. Explore the role of commercial parties, counsel, and consultants and other third parties in the loan agreement negotiation process. Session 02: Finance: Introduction to Structures for Tax Equity Investments in Renewable Energy Transactions - The Inflation Reduction Act has led to an uptick in tax equity investments in renewable energy transactions. Look at how these investments are structured and why, including a look at key transactions documents and new emerging hybrid structures that take advantage of tax credit transfers.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.50 hrs
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Financing 101: Introduction to Construction Financing and Tax Equity Investments for Renewable Energy Transactions3.85 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 course
M&A: Introduction to MIPA (Membership Interest Purchase Agreement)
Overview of key differences between early and later stage development deals, conditions to closing, and areas that can and cannot be negotiated.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
M&A: Introduction to MIPA (Membership Interest Purchase Agreement)3.59 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?
Major and Practical Deal Considerations for Project-Level Renewable Energy M&A
This presentation covers deal considerations in project-level renewable energy M&A, including both development-stage MIPAs and later stage Build Transfer Agreements. It briefly touches on deal structuring considerations and look at certain key provisions in the primary transaction documents for each deal type.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr | 0.25 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Major and Practical Deal Considerations for Project-Level Renewable Energy M&ANot yet rated
Overview of Renewable Project Development and Finance
An overview of (a) key development contracts, and (b) the process of raising capital to develop, construct, and operate renewable energy projects.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.50 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Overview of Renewable Project Development and FinanceNot yet rated
Permitting, Regulatory and Environmental Considerations for Renewable Energy Projects (2025)
Session 01: Texas Regulatory Update - This session provides a comprehensive update of Texas regulatory changes impacting renewable energy projects including the status of the Performance Credit Mechanism (PCM), the PUC’s progress in adopting a reliability standard, an updated Cost of New Entry (CONE) and a new Value of Lost Load (VOLL), ancillary service procurement updates, changes to the transmission planning process and a status report on the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, and other important ERCOT and PUC changes impacting renewable generation. Session 02: Comparison of Interstate Grids’ Regulatory Treatment of Large Load Projects - Learn about the convergence of Resource Adequacy and Load Interconnection policy at a time of increasing energy demand. Explore how the central United States is meeting this challenge and how Texas may set itself apart. Session 03: California Spotlight: New Developments in Project Permitting, Connecting to the Grid, and Energy Markets in the Golden State - Cover selected topics affecting utility- and community-scale renewable energy projects at the state level, including enhancements to the interconnection process, updates on energy markets, permitting reform at the California Public Utilities Commission, and the status of the California Energy Commission’s consideration of “Opt-In” projects that move entitlement decisions to Sacramento. The speakers will prognosticate on the effects of legislation adopted in recent years, and address nascent issues including the extended day-ahead market, green hydrogen, and offshore wind. Session 04: California Spotlight: Land Related Regulatory and Permitting Considerations - Focus on some of the California-specific laws and regulatory regimes that may impact renewable energy development. Explore local land use considerations, CEQA compliance, and other California project development considerations.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 3.00 hrs
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Permitting, Regulatory and Environmental Considerations for Renewable Energy Projects (2025)4.25 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 programs and well informed panels/speakers
Planning and Efficiency Issues with Large Volume Real Estate Transactions
Learn about ways to organize and streamline the process of engaging a title insurer on projects with long ramp-up periods and large volume of commitments, reviewing and resolving title issues, and preparing your project for construction and financing. Hear about the strategic use of tracking spreadsheets, online platforms and technologies for distribution and real-time access to large volumes of data and suggestions about the best timing for the creation of comprehensive reports and proformas.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Planning and Efficiency Issues with Large Volume Real Estate Transactions4 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?
Real Estate Development and Construction of Renewable Energy Projects (2025)
Session 01: California Spotlight: Real Estate Planning, Diligence, and Execution - A high-level discussion of California-specific real estate issues for the renewable energy industry and how developers and other parties can address these issues in contracting, through diligence, and in preparation for financing. Topics include the interplay of lease terms and state tax regimes, mineral rights in CA, Williamson Act/FLSZ, and title insurance. Session 02: Urban Area BESS Projects - Energy storage projects continue to play an important role in resource planning. Discuss why energy storage projects are increasingly sited in urban areas and the benefits they bring to resource planning. Also address the legal, policy, and local communications considerations related to site control, permitting, development (including procurement and installation considerations) and operation of energy storage facilities. Session 03: Legal Considerations in Geothermal Energy Development and Pore Space Rights in Texas - Technological advancements have broadened the potential applications for harnessing geothermal energy from wells in Texas. With applications of this technology exploring ways to combine geothermal wells with subsurface pore spaces, it is important to outline the rights of all interested parties, including the surface, mineral, and geothermal estates. The Texas legal landscape has historically evolved in two separate paths, one concerning geothermal rights and the other pore space rights. However, practitioners are now forced to consider both geothermal rights and pore space rights within the same transaction. Explore the legal complexities surrounding geothermal energy development in Texas, with a particular focus on the ownership and regulation of pore space rights. Session 04: Mechanics’ Lien Coverage and Underwriting in ALTA States - A discussion around coverage over mechanics and materialman’s liens in states around the country and how developers and their title insurers negotiate this coverage between them and for the benefit of lenders. Explore different states’ laws, coverage forms, credit risk and lien law compliance.
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 2.75 hrs
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Real Estate Development and Construction of Renewable Energy Projects (2025)4 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?
Renewable Energy Construction: Procurement and Financing Structures
Session 01: Procurement and Construction in Energy Projects - Explore key considerations and potential pitfalls in structuring and carrying out procurement and construction for energy projects, including competitive bid processes, early design and engineering, and key contractual provisions, such as financing and tariff considerations and UFLPA and IRA requirements. Session 02: Flexible Structures for Renewable Energy Construction Financing - Explore how construction financing differs from other types of project financing and discuss case studies to accommodate variable tax equity investment structures (ITCs, PTCs, and direct sponsor transfers).
Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 1.50 hrs | 0.25 Ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Renewable Energy Construction: Procurement and Financing Structures5 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 information. First section had too much material for 45 minutes. Case studies in second session were helpful.
Texas Grid Resiliency: Lessons Learned…and Yet to be Learned
The Public Utility Commission, ERCOT, transmission and distribution providers, and generation companies have made significant efforts in the last few years to increase the resilience of the ERCOT grid. Review the progress that has been made and will discuss what still needs to be done to meet future challenges.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.75 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
Texas Grid Resiliency: Lessons Learned…and Yet to be Learned3.75 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?
The “ALTA Survey”: Definitions and Why It's Important
A discussion on the various survey aspects related to project transactions and how collaboration among survey, title, legal, and development is integral throughout the evolution of the project development process.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 0.50 hr
- Credit Info
- TX, CA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
The “ALTA Survey”: Definitions and Why It's ImportantNot yet rated
What’s New?: 2025 State and Federal Energy Policy Updates and Recent Decisions
Session 01: What's New? - Hear a lively update on developments affecting the renewable energy market. Session 02: Federal Energy Policy - A group of key participants in the renewable energy policy debates in Washington discusses what policy changes to expect from the new administration and Congress, what issues are being intensively lobbied and the outlooks for new tariffs, permitting reforms, further restrictions on foreign entities of concern, UFLPA detentions, and more. Session 03: Federal Regulatory Update - Review what changes may be in store for generator interconnection reforms; transmission planning, permitting, and cost allocation; greenhouse gas limits; and public lands. Will the Trump Administration reverse Biden’s efforts to facilitate the clean energy transition? Session 04: Texas Legislative Review Update - The 89th Texas Legislature is in session, and the Texas electric market is expected to receive significant attention again. Hear a breakdown of what lies ahead for a flourishing industry facing political challenges in a conservative state including key legislative issues that are expected to be addressed this session.
Includes: Video Audio Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 3.00 hrs
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 3/31/2026
-
What’s New?: 2025 State and Federal Energy Policy Updates and Recent Decisions5 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?