Ethics

This panel will focus on the ethical issues that can surround taking on an engagement — everything from evaluating conflicts, mandatory and recommended disclosures, and what it really means to be disinterested.Learning Objectives:Attendees will identify common ethical issues that arise when considering whether to accept a new engagement, including how to evaluate potential conflicts of interest.Attendees will understand mandatory and recommended disclosure requirements and how they apply when determining whether a professional can serve in a matter.Attendees will examine the meaning of "disinterestedness" in practice and apply practical strategies for assessing and maintaining compliance with ethical standards when taking on a case.

Think you know how to play nice in the sandbox of Utah's legal profession? Put your knowledge of the Utah Standards of Professionalism and Civility, along with those from around the country, to the test in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud CLE experience modeled after the classic television game show Password. Contestants from the audience will face off in a battle of clues and quick thinking, where the winning "passwords" aren't just game show gold — they're the very principles of dignity, respect, and professionalism that separate the great lawyers from the merely licensed ones. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a fresh-faced associate, this session delivers serious ethical guidance wrapped in a whole lot of fun. CLE ethics credit available — dignity is its own reward.Learning Objectives:Attendees will analyze key provisions of the Utah Standards of Professionalism and Civility and identify conduct required to maintain good standing as a licensed attorney.Attendees will evaluate real-world case law and fact patterns to distinguish between compliant and non-compliant professional behavior under the Utah Standards.Attendees will examine ethical obligations specific to bankruptcy practitioners, including conflicts of interest, unauthorized practice of law, interactions with pro se parties, and duties of candor to the court.Attendees will assess the application of the Utah Standards of Professionalism and Civility to out-of-state attorneys, including relevant local rules and cross-jurisdictional practice considerations.Attendees will apply principles of professionalism, civility, and ethical responsibility to practical scenarios in an interactive setting designed to reinforce best practices."

This panel will explore a range of topical ethical issues in the practice of bankruptcy law, both evergreen and emerging, such as the type and scope of judicial involvement in cases, the ethics of so-called “debtor-friendly” jurisdictions, how to navigate fiduciary duty issues when representing multiple constituents with an interest in the same matter, navigating the role of a litigation trustee, best practices for disclosure in the professional retention context, and considerations as practitioners and pro se litigants alike incorporate AI into their bankruptcy workstreams and filings.Learning ObjectivesAttendees will analyze key ethical considerations in bankruptcy practice, including judicial involvement in cases and the implications of practicing in so-called "debtor-friendly" jurisdictions.Attendees will evaluate fiduciary duty challenges that arise when representing multiple interested parties, including issues related to litigation trustees and conflicts of interest.Attendees will identify best practices for professional responsibility, including disclosure obligations in retention applications and ethical considerations when incorporating AI into bankruptcy workflows and filings.

This panel will address the expectations for professionalism and civility in the conduct of litigation in and out of court, examining the different perspectives of the U.S., U.K. and Colombia in regards to their respective ethics rules and cultural frameworks.

Join members of ABI’s 2012-13 National Ethics Task Force as they update their 2013 Final Report on bankruptcy ethics best practices with this lively panel discussion on current hot topics, including required (and recommended) estate professional disclosures, independent directors, access to justice and artificial intelligence.

Hosted by the Mediation and Ethics & Professional Compensation Committees.This session will examine the complex ethical challenges that arise when mediation and negotiation processes intersect with distressed scenarios, including conflicts between confidentiality requirements and disclosure obligations, navigating fiduciary duties in collaborative settlement discussions (particularly out-of-court RSAs), and managing professional responsibility issues in multi-party bankruptcy mediations. The panelists will provide practical guidance for attorneys, trustees, advisors and mediators on how to balance the informal and confidential nature of mediation with the heightened ethical and fiduciary standards required in insolvency contexts. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices for maintaining ethical compliance while effectively utilizing mediation/negotiation as a tool for resolving disputes and facilitating insolvency issues.

This session will explore key ethical issues facing bankruptcy practitioners and judges, including professional responsibility, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and duties to clients, creditors and the court. The panelists will examine recent case law, evolving ethical standards, and practical guidance for navigating complex situations in bankruptcy practice.

As artificial intelligence transforms the legal landscape, understanding how to effectively and ethically integrate AI into legal practice is essential. This panel will explore successful strategies for employing AI in legal workflows, offer insights into ethical frameworks and considerations surrounding its use, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current market of AI-powered legal technology solutions. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge to navigate the evolving AI legal ecosystem with confidence and responsibility.

Navigating the intersection of ethics and practice management is critical for consumer bankruptcy attorneys. This session will explore the ethical obligations that arise in everyday practice, including client communication, case oversight, fee disclosures and managing high-volume dockets. The panelists will address common pitfalls and real-world scenarios that challenge compliance with the ABA Model Rules and local court requirements. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for maintaining ethical integrity while operating an efficient and sustainable consumer bankruptcy practice.