Government lawyers’ use of ‘confidential information’ in private practice clarified in new ABA ethics opinion

Lawyers who work in government or serve as public officials have special confidentiality obligations, and they should not use “confidential government information” when representing private clients, according to an ABA ethics opinion released Wednesday.

Feb 28, 2024 10:05 AM CST

‘Known Christian conservative’ judge says his ouster over sexual assault reversal was ‘total political hit job’

A judge who declared that a sexual assault defendant had “plenty of punishment” before reversing the conviction has been removed from the bench.

Feb 27, 2024 10:44 AM CST

Former Texas lawyer accused of bilking clients for at least $20M is sentenced for ‘Ponzi-type scheme’

A former lawyer in San Antonio has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for depositing client money into his accounts and then using it to pay other client debts and support his “extravagant lifestyle,” according to federal prosecutors and court records.

Feb 23, 2024 9:42 AM CST

Contracts imposing $50K in liquidated damages for lawyer departures lead to suspension recommendation

The founding partners of Tully Rinckey should each be suspended for 90 days because of employment and separation agreements that restricted departing lawyers’ right to practice, according to an ethics recommendation.

Feb 22, 2024 1:17 PM CST

Lawyer’s ‘intimidating and degrading conduct’ was ‘a business model of sorts, based on fear,’ state supreme court says

The Tennessee Supreme Court has disbarred a Tennessee lawyer, citing a pattern of “egregious” communications apparently intended to intimidate and humiliate the opposing counsel to gain an unfair advantage in litigation.

Feb 22, 2024 9:53 AM CST

Clarence Thomas has 30 days to resign if he wants millions from John Oliver

When it comes to Supreme Court reform, John Oliver is tired of just talking about term limits and ethics codes. Instead, the late-night talk show host said he’s taking a page out of the playbook used by the rich and powerful, who the comedian said routinely lavish gifts on public servants to curry favor.

Feb 20, 2024 1:00 PM CST

What’s the secret to writing a good search prompt?

Lawyers may be excellent when questioning on the stand, but when it comes to cross-examining artificial intelligence, they may need an assist. With generative artificial intelligence, it’s all about the search prompt.

Feb 20, 2024 12:51 PM CST

Should a bar license function like a driver’s license? Advocates say multi-jurisdictional practice rules should change

The COVID-19 pandemic, advances in legal technology and increases in competition all have changed how lawyers do business. ABA Techshow 2024 panelists say the rules guiding multi-jurisdictional practice aren’t keeping up. “Say it loud, say it proud. We should be able to practice anywhere we can drive.”

Feb 16, 2024 5:35 PM CST

Yes, your technology is spying on you; what can be done about it?

As eager techies packed the Hyatt Regency Chicago for the third day of the ABA Techshow 2024, one ethics lawyer had a message that he wanted to make crystal clear: Technology may be your best friend, but it could simultaneously be your downfall.

Feb 16, 2024 11:43 AM CST

Judge ‘pantomimed something similar to a lap dance’ on public defender’s wife at outing, ethics complaint alleges

A judge in Humboldt County, California, is facing an ethics complaint that accuses him of calling a public defender “Jewboy” and having “pantomimed something similar to a lap dance” on the wife of a different public defender.

Feb 15, 2024 11:51 AM CST

Prosecutors blame disclosure of attorney-client texts on ‘cavalier legal representation’ by ‘Rust’ armorer’s lawyer

Updated: A lawyer representing an armorer accused in the movie set shooting death of a cinematographer has failed to win dismissal of charges against his client, despite the disclosure of texts protected by attorney-client privilege.

Feb 14, 2024 2:55 PM CST

Unprecedented Assignment: Defending Donald Trump in criminal court

In the past six weeks alone, Donald Trump’s lawyers argued in the Supreme Court over whether the Constitution bars him from running for president, lost an appeals court battle on presidential immunity and defended their client in a civil defamation trial in which Trump took the stand—all while reviewing evidence and submitting highly technical court motions involving classified documents.

Feb 14, 2024 11:16 AM CST

NAACP-trained nonlawyers may provide limited advice to tenants facing eviction, top state court says

The South Carolina Supreme Court is allowing the NAACP’s state conference to train nonlawyer volunteers to advise tenants as part of a three-year pilot program.

Feb 14, 2024 9:47 AM CST

Judge resigns after allegedly texting through toddler-death trial

As the murder trial for a man accused of beating a toddler to death began in June, the thoughts of the Oklahoma judge overseeing the case allegedly drifted to the appearance of the prosecutor: “Why does he have baby hands? … They are so weird looking,” she texted the bailiff, according to a court petition filed against her.

Feb 12, 2024 9:25 AM CST

Judge says he misperceived interaction at bar event as flirting, leading him to touch lawyer’s ‘lower hamstring’

A Baltimore judge faces a hearing in May to resolve ethics allegations that he inappropriately touched a female lawyer following a bar association event at the Maryland Club last year.

Feb 9, 2024 8:55 AM CST