November 2007 Issue

Cover Story

Top 10 Ethics Traps

Click here to download this CLE audio program for free.

Perhaps there was a time when ethics rules for lawyers were straightforward and following them was largely a matter of professional common sense. But it probably ended before your grandfather took down his shingle.

Today it’s a much different story. As law practice has become more complex, so have professional conduct rules—at least in their practical application.

“There are still bright lines, but there are lots of ambi­guities,” says professor Stephen Gillers, who teaches ethics at New York University School of Law. “If you think it’s just about the basics, you’re on the road to perdition.”

With help from Gillers and other experts on professional conduct, the ABA Journal presents its list of the 10 top ethics traps for lawyers. Some of these traps might seem a bit arcane, others obvious. But according to our experts, lawyers in all practice fields fall into them regularly—sometimes with disastrous effects.

Feature Section

A Shot at the Second Amendment

If the U.S. Supreme Court declares a right to bear arms, the decision may be in spite of the powerful NRA gun lobby—not because of it.

Beast Practices

High-profile cases are putting plenty of bite into the lively field of animal law.

Paying Politics

When it comes to campaign donations, lawyers lead the pack.