CLE Schedule
We are excited to offer our Empire Philadelphia judges and jurors the opportunity to earn CLE professional responsibility credits. We view this as a win-win for all: our students benefit from your wisdom, while you have the chance to earn free CLEs.
Each workshop is one (1) hour long and covers a different subject area, meaning you can earn 1 CLE credits per session and a maximum of 4 CLE credits if you attend all four sessions.
The trainings are designed and led by an experienced legal practitioner and Empire Mock Trial judge, who is the founder of Eagle Cove Bar Services (Empire’s CLE provider).
We’ve listed a description of each workshop below, as well as the report time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions!
Saturday, 9/28
WORKSHOP #1
Be Smart About Smartphones (1 ethics credit)
Report time: No later than 8:30 AM
Session begins: 8:30 AM
How many times per day does a lawyer reach for a smartphone? The ethical minefield in which we walk, talk, and communicate when using a smartphone leaves lawyers at considerable risk for violating the Rules of Professional Conduct. This presentation relies heavily on recent guidance from the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and compares and contrasts the Pennsylvania view with that of nearby states including New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. Participants will gain an enhanced view of the dangers of smartphones and will leave this one- hour program equipped with simple strategies to avoid ethics problems when using a smartphone.
WORKSHOP #2
When May I Disclose? (1 ethics credit)
Report time: No later than 1:45 PM
Session begins: 1:45 PM
Pennsylvania's Rules of Professional Conduct broadly define the sorts of information that lawyers must safeguard. Recent ethics guidance is that Pennsylvania's Rules encompass a far broader set of information than certain other states. With an ABA opinion from as recently as May, lawyers will benefit from this vibrant and interactive presentation by adopting a compliance oriented mindset. Lawyers will leave this CLE session with bedrock knowledge of when they may and when they must disclose.
Sunday, 9/29
WORKSHOP #3
Ethical and Effective Expression in Court, on Social Media, and at Home (1 ethics credit)
Report time: No later than 8:30 AM
Session begins: 8:30 AM
Texas Judge Dianne Hensley’s case against the State Commission on Judicial Conduct is highlighted in this CLE presentation that explores the intersection between a judge’s public statements driven by sincerely held religious beliefs and judicial responsibility and ethics. Attention will be given to ABA formal ethics opinion 485. The similar Illinois case of Hon. Robert K. Adrian where, after a judge engaged in what some might call bench trial nullification, a judge publicly announced that the judge could not be fair to a prosecutor who liked a Facebook comment that was critical of the judge will also be explored. Finally, lawyers will learn some tricks of the trade on motions to recuse.
WORKSHOP #4
Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Guidance (1 ethics credit)
Report time: No later than 1:45 PM
Session begins: 1:45 PM
Drawing from other states' ethical guidance, and recognizing that "AI has gone from something in movies to an everyday tool in the practice of law," the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the Philadelphia Bar Association issued a 16-page, joint formal ethics opinion on May 22, 2024. In that opinion, both organizations highlighted some best practices and some hidden issues with AI, like how to supervise your 'Al' assistant. You may think that you're immune to Al, but no one uses a steno pad or Dictaphone any more! Participate in this lively dialog that enhances your comfort about ethically interacting with Al tools, so you leave this workshop confident that you are properly and ethically using AI in your practice.
