#legal-ethics

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fromAbove the Law
15 hours ago

Lawyers Should Never Go Down Without A Fight - Above the Law

Lawyers often need to represent clients that do not have too many defenses for the crimes charged or the civil wrongs alleged. However, our adversarial system of justice requires that people get solid representation since justice is easier to attain when the best arguments are presented by all sides. As attorneys, it can sometimes be easy to give up and throw in the towel on certain aspects of a representation. However, in most situations, lawyers should not go down without a fight.
Real estate
fromAbove the Law
20 hours ago

Lawyers Need A Panel To Explain Texting Because We're Still One Notification Away From An Ethics Apocalypse - Above the Law

Here at Kaleidoscope, the newly minted 8am's inaugural conference, lawyers gathered to hear about the dangers lurking in their pockets. Rather than being happy to see us, the phones they lug around carry a ticking ethical timebomb poised to erupt as their terminally Millennial clients demand to talk about their cases over SMS. It's not an outlier scenario anymore. Mark Palmer, Chief Counsel of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, explained that 59 percent of clients want to communicate with their lawyers by text.
Law
#biglaw
fromAbove the Law
1 day ago
US politics

Guy Who Helped Orchestrate Some of Biglaw's Pro Bono Payola Deals Offers Tone Deaf Defense Of Them - Above the Law

fromAbove the Law
1 month ago
US politics

Simpson Thacher Associate Quit Biglaw After Firm Capitulated To Trump. Now He's Running For Congress. - Above the Law

fromAbove the Law
1 day ago
US politics

Guy Who Helped Orchestrate Some of Biglaw's Pro Bono Payola Deals Offers Tone Deaf Defense Of Them - Above the Law

fromAbove the Law
1 month ago
US politics

Simpson Thacher Associate Quit Biglaw After Firm Capitulated To Trump. Now He's Running For Congress. - Above the Law

UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
2 days ago

Jenrick criticised by judge for X post during murder trial

A High Court judge criticised a senior politician's social-media post for potentially influencing jurors during a major gangland murder trial.
#ai-in-law
fromZDNET
2 weeks ago
Artificial intelligence

Claude wins high praise from a Supreme Court justice - is AI's legal losing streak over?

Law
fromArs Technica
1 month ago

It's "frighteningly likely" many US courts will overlook AI errors, expert says

Judges must improve their understanding of AI to maintain court authority and prevent reliance on erroneous AI-generated legal documents.
Law
fromAbove the Law
2 months ago

Judge Suggests Briefs With Hallucinated Citations Could Land Lawyers In Prison For Life - Above the Law

The U.K. legal system imposes severe penalties for lawyers submitting fake AI-generated case law.
fromZDNET
2 weeks ago
Artificial intelligence

Claude wins high praise from a Supreme Court justice - is AI's legal losing streak over?

fromSocial Media Explorer
1 week ago

Beyond the Billboard: How Lawyers Can Use Social Media to Grow a Local Practice - Social Media Explorer

For many legal professionals, the idea of using social media for marketing can feel, at best, undignified, and at worst, like a potential ethical minefield. The traditional pillars of legal marketing-referrals, networking, and community events-have been the standard for generations. But in 2025, the way potential clients find and vet an attorney has fundamentally changed. Their journey almost always starts with a search engine and a scroll through social media.
Social media marketing
#judicial-misconduct
fromMission Local
3 months ago
Black Lives Matter

An S.F. judge accused of harassing female lawyers of color was quietly transferred. Now he's back.

Black Lives Matter
fromMission Local
3 months ago

An S.F. judge accused of harassing female lawyers of color was quietly transferred. Now he's back.

Public defenders have accused Judge Braden Woods of inappropriate comments and bias against women of color during court proceedings.
California
fromwww.dailynews.com
2 weeks ago

California warns DOJ against threatening' officials who uphold state's sanctuary laws

California defends its sanctuary law citing Ninth Circuit precedent and warns DOJ attorneys against prosecuting state officials for enforcing state policy.
fromThe Mercury News
2 weeks ago

California warns DOJ against 'threatening' officials who uphold state's sanctuary laws

"It is now settled law in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that California law limiting law enforcement coordination with federal immigration enforcement activities 'does not directly conflict with any obligations that the (Immigration and Nationality Act) or other federal statutes impose on state or local governments,'" wrote David Sapp, legal affairs secretary for the governor's office.
California
fromemptywheel
3 weeks ago

John Durham's Show Trials: A Preview of Coming Attractions - emptywheel

On May 20, 2022 - a year after John Durham had obtained evidence showing that the draft SVR report that he always claimed was the basis of his investigation was based on "composite" emails, and as such, proof that the SVR was framing Hillary Clinton - his lead prosecutor, Andrew DeFilippis, openly defied a judge's order.
US politics
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

Former Biglaw Associate Alleges Partner Used Racial Slur - Above the Law

The allegations made by Mr. Bryant against the firm and its partners are categorically false and repugnant. The firm will vigorously defend itself and our colleagues and intends to explore all available remedies in response to these outrageous claims.
US politics
Law
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

Legal Ethics Roundup: Celebrating Two Years With Top 15 (Again!) Headlines Of The Week, Shoutouts, A New Puppy & More - Above the Law

Legal Ethics Roundup recently celebrated two years of providing legal ethics updates and insights.
#judiciary
fromwww.npr.org
1 month ago

Layoffs at the Department of Justice are transforming its workforce

Erez Reuveni highlights the pressure on career attorneys within the Justice Department: "Career attorneys can't...go to court and parrot these similar talking points that have no basis in law and have no support."
US politics
#ai-misuse
#artificial-intelligence
#pro-bono
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago
Law

Biglaw Surrender Firms Hoping Trump Just Forgets About Them - Above the Law

Nine law firms made vague pro bono commitments to Trump, but remain silent about their fulfillment.
Non-profit organizations
fromABA Journal
3 months ago

BigLaw firms defend pro bono deals with Trump as they handle influx of requests for legal help

BigLaw firms defend pro bono agreements with Trump as ethical, balancing commitments while navigating requests for broader legal assistance.
Non-profit organizations
fromABA Journal
3 months ago

BigLaw firms defend pro bono deals with Trump as they handle influx of requests for legal help

BigLaw firms defend pro bono agreements with Trump as ethical, balancing commitments while navigating requests for broader legal assistance.
Philosophy
fromApaonline
1 month ago

Roe v Road: Freedom of Movement and the Future of Automated Travel

In states like Georgia, women can be kept on life support against their wishes to deliver fetuses due to restrictive abortion laws.
Law
fromSubstack
1 month ago

LER No. 98 - Ex-DOJ Ethics Lawyer Speaks Out, Associate Fired for Trump Critique, Judge Visas Stripped, AI & 'Snitch' Rule, GA May Allow Nonlawyer Rep, No Pay for Fed Defense Lawyers & More (07.21.25)

The Legal Ethics Roundup offers insights into legal ethics to over 2,100 subscribers globally.
#law
fromAbove the Law
2 months ago
SF politics

It's A Really Weird Time To Have One Of The Most Prestigious Public Interest Jobs In The Legal Industry - Above the Law

fromAbove the Law
2 months ago
SF politics

It's A Really Weird Time To Have One Of The Most Prestigious Public Interest Jobs In The Legal Industry - Above the Law

fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

Controversy Over Judge's Secret Romance Heads To Trial - Above the Law

Jones, the (now former) federal bankruptcy judge, somehow didn't recuse himself from cases involving Freeman, the (now former) partner at Jackson Walker. As a result, Jones resigned and the Department of Justice sued Freeman's former firm to try to disgorge up to $23 million in fees it collected in the 33 cases overseen by Jones while he was involved with Freeman.
Law
US politics
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

Alan Dershowitz Reprises Role As Captain Underpants - Above the Law

Alan Dershowitz continues to be embroiled in controversy related to Jeffrey Epstein, often making provocative statements.
Law
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

Judge Reprimanded After Dismissive Treatment Of DAs - Above the Law

Even judges must adhere to limitations in courtroom conduct, as evidenced by the censure of Justice Naita Semaj for misconduct.
US politics
fromBusiness Insider
1 month ago

Obama slams Big Law attorneys who won't fight Trump because they want to 'finish that kitchen rehab' at their Hamptons homes

Big Law firms compromised their principles to protect their careers and lifestyles while collaborating with the Trump administration.
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

Lawyer Cites AI Hallucinations, Responds With Pretentious Meditation On Nature Of Being - Above the Law

'Each citation, each argument, each procedural decision is a mark upon the clay, an indelible impression that may one day be studied, critiqued, or serve as a cautionary tale.'
Law
#trump-administration
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago
US politics

Legal Ethics Roundup: The Ethics Of DOJ Firings, Jackson On The State Of Our Democracy, Wasteful SCOTUS Paper Filings, AI SCOTUS Arg & More - Above the Law

fromAbove the Law
1 month ago
US politics

Legal Ethics Roundup: The Ethics Of DOJ Firings, Jackson On The State Of Our Democracy, Wasteful SCOTUS Paper Filings, AI SCOTUS Arg & More - Above the Law

Law
fromNew York Post
3 months ago

Trump order targeting another major law firm blocked by judge as unconstitutional retaliation

A federal judge has permanently blocked Trump's executive order against Jenner & Block, viewing it as unconstitutional retaliation against the firm's legal work.
fromABA Journal
1 month ago

Fired California bar executive director should get 30-day suspension, panel says, citing 'duty to be truthful'

Joseph Dunn, former executive director of the State Bar of California, should receive a brief suspension for misrepresentations regarding funding for a trip to Mongolia.
California
Law
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

The Law Firm's Guide To Trust Accounting And Three-Way Reconciliation - Above the Law

Managing client funds critically impacts law firm integrity; trust accounting must adhere to strict separation rules.
Law
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

Mike Lindell Lawyers Earn Pillow-Soft Sanction After Letting AI Do The Thinking - Above the Law

Rule 11 fines imposed on Lindell's lawyers for serious inaccuracies and misrepresentations in their legal filings.
Law
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

Legal Ethics Roundup: TEDLaw Launch, Beautiful Bill Impact, Trump Appeals EO Loss, Fed Judge = Public Official Defamation, Judge Salas - Rule of Law & More - Above the Law

Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour is a vibrant remix of American history and personal narrative, showcasing themes of reclamation through performance.
Law
fromMiami Herald
2 months ago

Why three Coral Gables attorneys have been reprimanded or disbarred

Three Miami-Dade attorneys were disciplined by the state Supreme Court for violations related to fee agreements and client communication.
US politics
fromAbove the Law
2 months ago

Legal Ethics Roundup: Chesebro Disbarred, 40.8% Tax On Lawyers & Lit Funders, DOJ Whistleblower Calls Out Bove & More - Above the Law

The DOJ's unprecedented lawsuit against federal judges highlights a significant threat to judicial independence.
Law
fromABA Journal
2 months ago

Nonlawyers can partly own law firms in Puerto Rico under revised ethics rules

Puerto Rico now permits nonlawyer ownership in law firms, allowing up to 49% stake.
Law
fromIntelligencer
2 months ago

The Unraveling of the Kilmar Abrego Garcia Prosecution

Prosecutors should avoid overstating their case early in litigation to maintain credibility with judges.
Law
fromAbove the Law
2 months ago

Emil Bove's 'I'm Not A Henchman' T-Shirt Has People Asking Questions At Judicial Confirmation Hearing - Above the Law

Emil Bove's nomination to the appellate court raises serious concerns about his past conduct in the Justice Department.
DC food
fromAbove the Law
2 months ago

Morning Docket: 06.25.25 - Above the Law

DOJ's suit against all Maryland judges signals a bold approach to judicial accountability.
Court ruling affirms fair use for copyrighted content in AI training, reshaping intellectual property debates.
Judiciary's PACER cybersecurity warnings highlight failures in modernization despite high fees.
Law firms face scrutiny for ethical lapses in copying court briefs filled with rejected arguments.
Law
fromBoston.com
2 months ago

Karen Read lawyer Alan Jackson lambasts prosecutors in fiery statement

The retrial of Karen Read reveals serious accusations of prosecutorial misconduct, igniting conflicts between defense and prosecution.
US news
fromwww.npr.org
2 months ago

Fired Justice Department lawyer accuses agency of planning to defy court orders

Justice Department leaders allegedly intended to defy court orders to push Trump's deportation agenda, according to whistleblower Erez Reuveni.
Law
fromAbove the Law
2 months ago

Legal Ethics Roundup: CA Upholds Eastman Disbarment; Toxic Work Culture For Federal Clerks; ABA Sues Trump; Honoring Juneteenth & More - Above the Law

Wallace Jefferson emphasizes the ongoing struggle for equality and justice through personal narrative and historical reflection.
#disbarment
#law-firms
fromAbove the Law
2 months ago
Law

Legal Ethics Roundup: Messy Mexico Judicial Elections, Angry Clients, Pro Bono For DOJ, Bondi Complaint & More - Above the Law

fromAbove the Law
2 months ago
Law

Legal Ethics Roundup: Messy Mexico Judicial Elections, Angry Clients, Pro Bono For DOJ, Bondi Complaint & More - Above the Law

Social justice
fromAbove the Law
2 months ago

Legal Ethics Roundup: A Legal Ethics Summer Reading List - Above the Law

Legal ethics remain integral to legal reading; recommended books this summer showcase important themes.
Judge David Tatel's memoir illustrates overcoming personal challenges in the pursuit of justice.
fromwww.mediaite.com
2 months ago

Appeals Panel Affirms Former Trump Lawyer's Disbarment Over Efforts to Overturn 2020 Election

Eastman's conduct undermined democracy itself and warranted disbarment.
US Elections
fromLos Angeles Times
2 months ago

Former San Bernardino D.A., accused of destroying evidence, agrees to suspension from California State Bar

"It is shocking that any lawyer, particularly one serving as District Attorney, would act in 'bad faith' and destroy evidence relevant to an ongoing investigation."
Law
Law
fromAbove the Law
2 months ago

Former Judges Blast State Bar Association For Cowering From Trump - Above the Law

Bar associations are responding to political assaults on the rule of law and feel compelled to take a stand against partisanship.
The Wisconsin State Bar's leadership opted for silence on federal actions, disappointing many of its members.
fromAbove the Law
2 months ago

Partners Are Running From The Stink Of Paul, Weiss's Capitulation - Above the Law

Paul, Weiss became the first Biglaw firm to capitulate to Trump’s executive order, leading to significant talent loss and ongoing consequences.
NYC startup
fromBusiness Insider
3 months ago

The estranged husband of a 'Real Housewives' star was sentenced for embezzling tens of millions from clients of his law firm

Girardi, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison after being convicted of four counts of wire fraud.
Atlanta Braves
Law
fromwww.mediaite.com
3 months ago

Gag Me With a Spoon!' Sen. John Kennedy Tells Law Professor It's Embarrassing' She's Teaching Our Kids'

Kennedy criticized law professor Shaw for calling Supreme Court justices "evil" during a Senate hearing, emphasizing the inappropriateness of her remarks.
fromABA Journal
3 months ago

'Whole lot of oddities' excuse wrongdoing of lawyer with likely COVID-19 delirium, ethics referee says

Studstill's behavior violated the judge's order of sequestration and ethical duty to the court, yet 'a whole lot of oddities' make a difference in the case.
Law
Germany news
fromAbove the Law
3 months ago

German Bar Association Warns That Working With Yellow-Bellied Firms Could Violate Professional Codes Of Conduct - Above the Law

Accepting compromising deals with foreign governments poses ethical questions, as highlighted by the German Bar Association's guidelines for lawyers.
The emoluments clause aims to prevent conflicts of interest, yet controversies persist regarding compliance and ethical conduct.
fromAbove the Law
3 months ago

Legal Ethics Roundup: Ford Sues Lawyer Billing 57-Hour Day, 'Biglaw 3, Trump 0,' ABA & Fed Soc Out on Judges & More - Above the Law

"President Trump dismisses court rulings against him as judicial overreach, and sometimes he's right. But what does it say when multiple judges across the political spectrum rule against him on similar sweeping grounds?"
Law
Law
fromPatently-O
3 months ago

The Ethics of When Lawyers Make Mistakes

Lawyers must understand different jurisdictional duties when admitting mistakes, as they can affect conflict-of-interest evaluations.
Law
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 months ago

US lawyer sanctioned after caught using ChatGPT for court brief

A Utah lawyer was sanctioned for using ChatGPT to file a brief with fraudulent legal citations.
#politics
US news
fromwww.npr.org
3 months ago

Trump nominates official with ties to antisemitic extremists to lead ethics agency

Paul Ingrassia's nomination raises concerns due to his antisemitic ties, undermining efforts against antisemitism within the Trump administration.
fromwww.mediaite.com
3 months ago
Law

Exasperated Judge Smacks Down Trump Executive Order by Dropping 26 Exclamation Marks in Ruling

A federal judge ruled against Trump's executive orders targeting law firms, emphasizing the constitutional guarantees of judicial independence.
US news
fromwww.npr.org
3 months ago

Trump nominates official with ties to antisemitic extremists to lead ethics agency

Paul Ingrassia's nomination raises concerns due to his antisemitic ties, undermining efforts against antisemitism within the Trump administration.
Law
fromwww.mediaite.com
3 months ago

Exasperated Judge Smacks Down Trump Executive Order by Dropping 26 Exclamation Marks in Ruling

A federal judge ruled against Trump's executive orders targeting law firms, emphasizing the constitutional guarantees of judicial independence.
fromABA Journal
3 months ago

AI-hallucinated cases end up in more court filings, and Butler Snow issues apology for 'inexcusable' lapse

"These citations were 'hallucinated' by ChatGPT in that they either do not exist and/or do not stand for the proposition for which they are cited."
Artificial intelligence
Los Angeles
fromLos Angeles Times
3 months ago

'Come to the dark side': California inmate used lawyer in Alaska fentanyl empire, feds say

Justin Facey's law career shifted dramatically after he allegedly connected with a drug trafficking organization in Alaska through a client.
fromAbove the Law
3 months ago

Judge Who Handcuffed And Harassed Field Trip Student For Sleeping Could Face Consequences - Above the Law

The case highlights the delicate balance judges must maintain between authority and impropriety in wielding their power, especially when addressing juvenile defendants.
Law
Law
fromAbove the Law
3 months ago

Legal Ethics Roundup: 5 Justices Recuse Over Books, Lively/Baldoni PR Ethics, Jenner EO Struck, PW Lawyers Flee & More - Above the Law

Legal ethics requires careful navigation of public narratives in litigation to avoid prejudice against proceedings.
NYC politics
fromIntelligencer
3 months ago

Letitia James Is Caught in a War of Her Own Making

Letitia James' actions as NY Attorney General are seen as politically motivated targeting of Donald Trump.
The legal conflict between James and Trump represents a dangerous cycle of retribution.
SF politics
fromSlate Magazine
3 months ago

Georgia Republicans Are Playing Dumb About Adriana Smith

Adriana Smith's case highlights the ethical dilemmas arising from Georgia's strict anti-abortion laws and the implications of defining fetuses as persons.
Law
fromAbove the Law
3 months ago

Like 'Suits' Meets 'Mad Men' But With Fraud Charges Because It's Real Life - Above the Law

Faking a legal career, as exemplified by Aditya Rai, leads to serious legal repercussions, as evidenced by his multiple fraud charges.
Law
fromAbove the Law
3 months ago

Legal Ethics Roundup: 'Endangered' (Roberts) / 'End Of' (Luttig) Rule Of Law, AI Errors Hit Biglaw, 'Speak Up For Justice' & More - Above the Law

Confidentiality remains a crucial ethical duty for lawyers, relevant for all, including summer associates.
Law
fromal
3 months ago

Alabama cracks down on deceptive lawyer ads: 'Public trust and confidence' at stake

New rules require Alabama lawyers to disclose licensing status in advertising.
Public demands transparency and accurate information from lawyer advertisements.
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