Clifford Law Offices sponsored the 14th annual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program titled, “Legal Ethics and Professionalism of Your Favorite TV Shows, Yada, Yada” on Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 2:30-4:30p.m. CST.
The virtual CLE program was approved for two (2.0) hours of professional responsibility credit by the Illinois Commission on Professionalism. For two hours, a highly qualified panel examined the ethics and professionalism of lawyers as portrayed on various television shows over the years. Some of America’s favorite lawyers on TV have been involved in issues that have raised ethical and professionalism concerns for lawyers, their law firms and their clients. Just how far can one go in preparing a witness? How should one ethically advertise or solicit clients? If you think your client is lying, how should the case move forward? These are just some of the questions that were examined with clips of TV shows that served as hypotheticals.
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices moderated the program with panelists Jayne R. Reardon, the Hon. Daniel B. Shanes, and James P. Doppke.
Jayne R. Reardon, Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, shared her expert opinions on each hypothetical concerning the matters of professionalism and ethics within the legal profession. From topics of false testimony to attorney-client privilege, Jayne cited specific IRPC rules to support her thoughts and opinions.
The Hon. Daniel B. Shanes of the Lake County Circuit Court and Chair of the Illinois Judicial College Board of Trustee shared his opinions and experiences from behind the bench in the hypothetical situations that were presented in the webinar. Additionally, Judge Shanes provided explanations on how the conduct of attorneys and judges can factor into how a case can play out in the courtroom.
James P. Doppke, a partner at Robinson, Stewart, Montgomery & Doppke, LLC, where he concentrates his practice in professional responsibility issues and ethics consulting brought a unique perspective and information to the discussion, as he previously worked as a litigator at the Illinois ARDC for nearly 15 years and later as Senior Counsel there. He shared information for current attorneys to gain guidance and ask questions to the ARDC as it pertains to ethical matters.
To learn more about this CLE program, visit https://cliffordlawcle.com/. To be notified on the 2022 Clifford Law Offices CLE Program, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter here.