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Webinar

(20-08-05) Ben Franklin on Ethics


Total Credits: 1.2 MCLE, 1.2 Ethics, 0.0 Kansas Credit


Dates


Description

MoBarCLE, in partnership with CLESeminars.com, bring you this quality seminar.

(This is a “simulive” rebroadcast of a previously recorded movie presentation and panel discussion. Moderator Brian Guthrie, Esq. will be available during the rebroadcast to answer questions.)​

Ben advises … “Search others for their virtues.  Search thyself for thy vices” and challenges lawyers to put ethical considerations at the heart of legal practice.

Even in Ben Franklin's time, the public held cynical views about lawyers.  How can one be a better practitioner and help negate some of the lingering negative attitudes toward today’s lawyers?  In this engaging and informative program, Ben Franklin (who worked with more lawyers than most modern day practitioners) challenges today’s lawyers to expand their own notion of ethics much as he himself did during his own life.  Portrayed by Christopher Lowell, internationally acclaimed actor, historian, and Franklin scholar, Ben discusses the ethical issues he confronted and challenges attendees to put ethical considerations at the heart of legal practice. Franklin speaks of the importance of ethical practices and the spirit of Pro Bono Publico as the underpinnings of a virtuous life.

CLE TIME:  The program runs 62 minutes and covers the following topics correlating to the ABA Rules of Professional Conduct.

  • Greeting to Lawyers and the Spirit of Pro Bono Publico (Preamble, Rules 6.1 Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service; 2.1 Advisor; 2.4 Lawyer Serving as Third-Party Neutral)
  • Diligence in Documentation and Accounting (Rules 1.15 Safekeeping Property; 1.17 Sale of Law Practice)
  • Money Matters (Rules 1.5 Fees; 1.15 Safekeeping Property)
  • Loyalty (Rule 1.6 Confidentiality of Information; 1.7 Conflict of Interest – Current Clients; 1.8 Conflict of Interest – Current Clients – Specific Rules)
  • Humility and Civility (Preamble #5 and 6; Rules 8.2 Judicial and Legal Officials; 4.3 Dealing With Unrepresented Person; 4.4 Respect for Rights of Third Persons; 3.5 Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal)
  • Honesty and Integrity (Preamble #2, 12 and 13; Rules 3.3 Candor Toward the Tribunal; 3.4 Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel; 3.8 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor; 1.18 Duties to Prospective Client)

Originally recorded June 2012. Materials updated June 2019. Produced by Periaktos Productions and Ben Franklin Live.