Ethics in Technology

E-Lawyering: Making the "E" Mean Electronic and Ethical - Session 3
Pandemic-related shutdowns merely hastened the transformation of the delivery of legal services. E-lawyering is here to stay. Learn about the ethical pitfalls inherent in the virtual, or semi-virtual, practice of law, and get advice on how practitioners can continue to adhere to the Rules of Professional Conduct, regardless of whether their “platform” is physical or technological.

Positive Psychology: Proactive Tools and Techniques - Session 1
(1.0 MHSA Professional Responsibility credit)
The aspiration to “feel better” is admirable but shortsighted, especially for lawyers. We face formidable societal and organizational obstacles to achieving a sense of well-being. The factors that make lawyers a vulnerable population, in combination with mainstream messaging about positivity, create a counterproductive and harmful approach to lawyer well-being. This workshop uses brain science and interactive techniques to challenge participants’ preconceived notions of positive thinking, depression, and anxiety, and explore how impactful their mindset truly is.

The Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct recognize that part of a lawyer’s duty to maintain competence includes keeping abreast of the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology. This segment examines this ethics requirement and provides an overview of what attorneys must do in order to comply. The segment focuses specifically on computer security, cloud technology, and other major current risks associated with the use of technology in the practice of law. Examine the issue of cybersecurity and try to provide a baseline for how best to interpret the standard of “reasonability” under the Rules of Professional Conduct and ISBA Professional Conduct Advisory Opinions on electronic information and security. The second half of the program includes “deep dive” a systematic review of a comprehensive computer security checklist for lawyers. Attendees should leave with a broad understanding of fundamental computer security concepts and a practical framework within which to apply these ideas throughout your devices and networks.