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) Your Emergency Grievance Toolkit For many lawyers, the grievance process can be upsetting, confusing, frightening, and anger-producing. Learn the most effective techniques for dealing with a grievance from the immediate past-Committee Chair of the District 4 grievance committee. Scott Rothenberg, Law Offices of Scott Rothenberg - Bellaire, TX (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 Adam Sencenbaugh, Haynes Boone, LLP - Austin, 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

Includes: Video Audio Slides

For many lawyers, the grievance process can be upsetting, confusing, frightening, and anger-producing. Learn the most effective techniques for dealing with a grievance from the immediate past-Committee Chair of the District 4 grievance committee.

Includes: Video 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) 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 (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 (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 (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Artificial Intelligence as a Core Competency: An Ethics Lens (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

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Session 01: 2024 Case Law Update Part 1 - 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: 2024 Case Law Update Part 2 - Continuation of 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 03: 2024 Secretary of State Update - Learn about filing tips and resources that can make your transactions with the Secretary of State (SOS) easier and more predictable; hear updates on our system modernization program, including an overview of online services available in the new SOS Portal. 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 No Materials

THIS MONTH: Navigating the NIL Landscape: Contracts, Cash, and Compliance • ​Deep in the Heart of the Texas Business Courts: What Attorneys Need to Know • Taking Your Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan to the Next Level • Generative AI: Developments and Ethical Implications

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Cyber threat actors are increasingly targeting school districts. Review mandatory data breach notification laws as well as common cyber insurance policy provisions that require due diligence and prompt action by school officials.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

THIS MONTH: Crossover Creators: A Legal Guide to Multi-Industry Success • ​Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape: Best Practices for Governance • Partition of Real Property Under Texas Law: A Primer • Preparing for a Bankruptcy • Who’s Your Client?

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: (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) My Mind Has A Mind of Its Own: Why Even Good Lawyers Are Lured Into Unethical Behavior by the Way Their Brains Work (Replay) Modern behavioral psychology research has revealed that our brains lead us into behaviors that are inconsistent with logic, our own self-interest, and ethical principles. This presentation explains how scientifically identifiable justifications, rationalizations, and heuristics can present challenges in legal ethics. Kevin Dubose, Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP - Houston, TX (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Fixing Federal Tax Return Mistakes (Replay) Mistakes happen in tax. Fixing those mistakes usually gets harder as time goes by. This presentation surveys a range of potential options: rescission, tax elections including Section 9100 relief, amended returns, method changes, attribute redeterminations, and more. The presentation also highlights ethical obligations that arise when considering how to best address prior mistakes. Tom Greenaway, KPMG LLP - Boston, MA (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Ted Lasso and Lawyer Ethics (Replay) What can a fictional soccer coach, goldfish, and biscuits teach us about attorney ethics? Lace up your cleats and find out. Christie L. Hobbs, Northwest ISD - Fort Worth, TX (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Social Media, Ethics, and TMI: Why you won't be ROFL (Replay) Priscilla de Mata, Ysleta Isd - El Paso, TX  

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: (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Cyber Attacks: Are Your Customers, Outside Counsel and Vendors Doing Enough to Protect Your Information? (Replay) So, you’ve signed the NDA, given your company’s confidential information to a third party, now what? Learn about ways to further protect your company before and after a security incident and how important your role is. John Thomas A. Malatesta, Polsinelli PC - Birmingham, AL (0.75 hr | 0.75 hr ethics) Did You Just Waive Privilege? Protecting Privilege and Attorney Work Product (Replay) Discuss the latest developments on protecting privilege in the business environment, especially when clients seek both business and legal advice at the same time, and what to do about protecting privileged documents when the government comes calling. J. Nicholas Bunch, Haynes Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX (0.50 hr | 0.50 hr ethics) Effective Screening and Onboarding of New Clients (Replay) Learn time-tested techniques for minimizing the risk of grievances and malpractice lawsuits in your appellate practice. Scott Rothenberg, Law Offices of Scott Rothenberg - Bellaire, TX (1.00 hr | 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, Attorney at Law - Austin, TX

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

THIS MONTH: Code Red: What You Need in Your Crisis Management Playbook • The Rise of Sports Content in the Streaming Era • Cybersecurity Insurance Essentials • Readable Legal Writing • Retaliation: Still the Most Attractive Claim for Plaintiffs and Most Complicated for Defendants • Corporate Transparency Act: The 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: (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   (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   (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 (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

Includes: Video Audio Paper 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: Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape: Best Practices for Governance - A robust discussion and insights from the field on effective cybersecurity governance, including regulatory requirements, key elements of a governance program, and best practices and risk mitigation strategies. 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: 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 05: 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 06: 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 07: Developing an AI Governance Program - Practical guidance and considerations in developing and implementing governance around the internal use of AI.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides No Materials

Session 01: Threat Landscape Update - From cyber criminals to nation states who target our country, this session provides an overview of the cyber actors currently dominating the threat landscape Session 02: Anatomy of a Ransomware Negotiation: Lessons Learned from Communicating with a Threat Actor - Once the tough decision to negotiate with a Threat Actor has been made, what happens next? In this session, we role play negotiation scenarios highlighting valuable lessons learned from years in the trenches.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Practical guidance and considerations in developing and implementing governance around the internal use of AI.

Includes: Video Audio 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) State Bar Election Results and New Disciplinary Rules (Replay) In a referendum from April 1-30, the members of the State Bar of Texas voted on proposed amendments and additions to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. The Bar approved the Rules and the Texas Supreme Court gave final approval to them. This presentation gives an overview of the new Rules. Robert L. Tobey, Johnston Tobey Baruch, P.C. - Dallas, TX (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Ethical Issues in Criminal Appeals Practice (Replay) Ethical representation is required at the appellate level as well as the trial level. Explore rules of ethics and situations specifically centered on appellate representation. Stephanie L. Stevens, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX (1.00 hr | 1.00 hr ethics) Ethics: Officer of the Court (Replay) Explore the ethical obligations of attorneys as officers of the court, with a particular focus on the obligations of an attorney toward the bench. Jason Boulette, Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P. - Austin, TX

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

THIS MONTH: Interest Rates and the Mortgage Market: What’s Next? • Navigating Sensitive Employment Complaints​ • How to Use Your Expert Witness as a Fact Witness and Find Other Valuable Damages Testimony • Cybersecurity Legal Incident Response Preparedness in Today’s Threat Landscape • My Mind Has A Mind of Its Own: Why Even Good Lawyers Are Lured Into Unethical Behavior by the Way Their Brains Work

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

A robust discussion and insights from the field on effective cybersecurity governance, including regulatory requirements, key elements of a governance program, and best practices and risk mitigation strategies.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Stay ahead in the legal landscape with a comprehensive overview of recent domestic and international privacy laws. This presentation equips attendees with the latest insights to navigate evolving regulations in an increasingly interconnected world.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Federal regulators discuss their respective agencies’ recent enforcement activities and priorities related to cybersecurity.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Session 01: 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 02: Top 10 Things to Do (or Not Do) in the First 48 Hours - Cyber incidents are stressful; there are a number of steps to take and some steps to avoid during the early stage of the response. Walk through some key “dos” and point out some important “do nots.”

Includes: Video Audio Slides