Ethics

Following an introductory video clip about the dangers of social networking in litigation, a panel featuring a judge, a trustee and a practitioner will lead a discussion on the inherent risks in using social networking, some of the ethical issues involved, and suggestions for how to manage these business and ethical risks that are associated with the ever-changing world of social networking.

The Jay Alix Protocol Revisited: What Is It, How and When Has It Been/Is It Applied, Should It Be Applied Rigidly or Loosely, and Does a Viable Alternative Exist? Tips for Lawyers and Financial Professionals in Dealing with the Protocol

Plenary Session

As social media gain a foothold in all communications, attorneys are using the platform for both business and personal use. The panel will identify the ethical dangers and professionalism concerns that are raised when attorneys use Facebook, LinkedIn, and other forms of social media. The panel will discuss, among other issues, ethics opinions from various jurisdictions dealing with social networking, the minimum standard of attorney “competence,” confidentiality, problems affecting the attorney-client privilege, using social media for investigations, locator platforms and other recent advancements, and best practices for social networking by attorneys. Non CLE.

ABI’s panel of experts will discuss the ethical and compensation issues that can arise while representing chapter 7 and 13 debtors as well as individual chapter 11 debtors. Topics covered include client fraud and an attorney’s duty to verify client information, attorney fee structures, and complex issues in individual chapter 11 cases. The panel includes perspectives from the attorneys and trustees, as well as the academic reporter for the ABI Ethics Task Force.

This panel will explore the struggles of being both civil and persuasive and how our actions affect the reputation of the legal profession in society. The panel will also provide an update on the status of the ABI Civility Task Force.

Even before the first discussion in Newport at the 2011 ABI Consumer Forum, practitioners have experienced the difficulties inherent with managing a client with a mental illness or impairment. There can be even more challenges to managing any client matter when an opposing party suffers from a mental illness, especially when that party is self-represented. This panel of experienced practitioners and mental health professionals will discuss the evolving legal and practical issues surrounding mental illness and its impact on the bankruptcy system, as well as discuss methods of remaining calm in what can be an unpredictable and increasingly unavoidable storm.

The new U.S. Trustee Fee Guidelines will affect all attorneys and firms who work on larger chapter 11 cases filed on or after November 1st. ABI's panel of experts, including the Director of the EOUST, will discuss some of the ways the new guidelines may change day-to-day operations in firms, issues relating to the new market rate benchmarks, and how these changes might alter insolvency practice. Register today to hear government, attorney and academic perspectives on this important and timely topic.