Professionalism in a Pandemic: Examples and Issues

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the lives of everyone and sadly led to the deaths of many.  The practice of law, like every other business and profession, has had to cope with this situation and develop new approaches to representation of clients, some of which are likely to be long-lasting.  This program will examine some of the important issues that have arisen in law practice as a result of the pandemic.  The presenters will blend into the program discussion of the obligations of competence, confidentiality, diligence, supervision, and unauthorized practice.  The discussion will focus on the Rules of Professional Conduct but will also include references to the Lawyer’s Creed and Aspirational Statement of Professionalism adopted by the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism of the State of Georgia. The presenters will address the following:

• Issues in virtual practice, drawing on ABA Formal Opinion 498 (15 minutes)
• Unauthorized practice issues, including the “butt in the seat” rule and nonlawyer ownership of law firms (15 minutes)
• Professionalism in using and responding to delay caused by the pandemic (10 minutes)
• Competent representation during a pandemic (20 minutes)

Please join Craig Dobson of Dobson Law LLC and Nathan M. Crystal of Crystal & Giannoni-Crystal, LLC for a session that will focus on the ethical and professional issues arising from the pandemic.