Join us for a CLE presentation
Phi Alpha Delta CLE: Ethics, Professionalism and Substance Abuse
October 1, 2021
9:00 a.m. Registration
9:25 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
9:30 a.m. Good Writing as a Professional Responsibility
Professor Melissa Kidder
Assistant Professor of Law
Ohio Northern University
Pettit College of Law
Synopsis: Rule 1.1 of the Ohio Rules of Professional Responsibility states that a “lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation.” This presentation will focus on how this rule relates to a lawyer’s writing. The presentation will discuss this rule in relation to the specific recommendations made by the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Professionalism and will look at ways in which bad writing can get a lawyer into trouble.
10:20 a.m. Substance Abuse: A Toolkit for Lawyers
Anthony Rivera, Psy.D.
Ohio Northern University
Synopsis: Reports now estimate that while ten percent of the general population has problems with alcohol abuse, anywhere from fifteen to eighteen percent of the lawyer population battles the same problem. This presentation will help lawyers talk about this issue, know when to ask for help, and encourage them to reach out to fellow lawyers who may be struggling. Suggestions for how to have these tough conversations will be offered and participants will have a chance to practice these skills through role plays. We will discuss models of treatment and provide a brief and confidential screening.
11:10 a.m. Break (refreshments provided)
11:20 a.m. The Model Rules and the long Lost Virtue of Humility
Professor Bruce Frohnen
Professor of Law
Ohio Northern University
Pettit College of Law
Synopsis: The Model Rules of Professional Conduct seem, at first glance, to have essentially nothing to say about humility. What is more, it would seem that few clients would choose to be represented by a lawyer who lacks the self-confidence to take on difficult challenges and achieve success. Further, the Model Rules often are interpreted as encouraging the kind of "crusading" approach to legal practice only possible with an abundance of overweening pride. Yet the profession of law requires great humility if it is to be practiced within the general confines of the Rules, and especially if one is to do actual service to one's clients. The need to believe one's client, to take that client's good for one's own, and to recognize the limits of our capacity to determine the facts, let alone extend the law in a manner that will help rather than harm society, justice, and real people, all render humility an essential virtue for responsible lawyering.
12:10 p.m. Closing and Evaluation