Ethics Discussion: What Not To Do As Young Attorneys

The Student Bar Association and the Memphis Bar Association are presenting an ethics centered speakers series starting with a panel discussion Thursday, September 18, at noon. The panel consist of highly esteemed members of the legal community regular involved in legal ethics issues. The panel begins at noon and runs till 12:50 when students will be able to leave for class but are encouraged to stay for the other speakers. Pizza will be served.

With the narrowing of the job market in recent years, many new attorneys have found themselves in solo practice immediately out of law school. Without the proper resources, these newbies may resort to practicing in a “trial and error” fashion. Similarly, those who have secured positions in firms or corporations are often “baptized by fire,” due to the time pressures of business. Such a lack of mentorship can lead to critical errors, thus ruining the attorney’s professional reputation, or even affecting his/her license to practice law.

But “young” attorneys need not fear, as this seminar will educate and inform as to the legal and ethical pitfalls in civil and criminal practice. The first hour will include a panel discussion of common errors, seen through the lenses of highly experienced attorneys. Following the panel, there will be individual presentations: Lauran Stimac, Associate at Glassman Edwards, will speak about “How Not to Get Sued,” and David Pool, in-house counsel from Drexel Chemical Co., will give advice from a corporate view.