Features

New Technologies Make for a Shifting Definition of 'Technical Competence'
While new and/or improving technologies may be challenging, they likely also present new opportunities which can facilitate delivering the best services at the best cost. Some solutions can be handled directly by law firms — but others will require the courts to approve, and, perhaps, even change of procedures to get with the times.
Features

The Duty and Benefits of Technology Competence
We all have experienced technology's dramatic effect on bankruptcy practice, particularly in the electronic filing of documents and in the electronic communication and sharing of information among parties.
Features

Attorney Competence in Technology Is in the Spotlight. Are You Competent?
In response to widespread changes in the use of technology, and evaluating the potential risks of remote work and the rise of virtual meeting platforms, on March 10, 2021, the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility issued Formal Opinion 498 making it clear that the Model Rules of Professional Conduct permit lawyers to conduct their practices virtually, but urges caution at all times:
Features

Update on Business Bankruptcy Legal Fees and Professionalism
A review of recent cases shows that poor billing judgment and unreasonable billing have been with us for decades.
Features

California Court of Appeal Rules on Formerly Licensed Attorney Who Continued as Talent Manager
Conflict of interest is a red-flag concern when an attorney becomes a talent manager. But what happens when a formerly licensed attorney continues to provide management services for talent?
Features

Privacy and Ethical Concerns of Vaccine Passports
While the concept of digital vaccine passports might seem like a perfect solution, implementation is muddled not only by administrative feasibility, but the web of legal and business considerations raised if requiring the passport to return to the workplace or enter a business. This article untangles some of these complex legal considerations, including privacy and ethical concerns, offering employers guidance in evaluating their feasibility at the workplace.
Features

Legal Tech: The Ethics of E-Discovery In a Remote Work Environment
Just as the pandemic has challenged every aspect of our lives, the shift to a remote work environment has significantly impacted e-discovery and the ethical obligations of attorneys in this ever-evolving technological and legal landscape.
Features

Lawyer Disbarred Over Mishandling of Investors' Funds for Film Project
The New Jersey Supreme Court disbarred lawyer Gary Mason after finding he knowingly misappropriated $690,000 that investors paid to support the work of a fledgling filmmaker.
Columns & Departments
Bit Parts
Film Clips Included in Talent's Acting Reel Are a Copyright Fair Use Ninth Circuit Finds Judd/Weinstein Meeting Within Scope of California Sexual Harassment Statute Personal Manager's Lawsuit in New York Against Former In-House Counsel Can Move Forward
Features

Data Security Ethics and Best Practices for Court Reporters
The issue of digital security and privacy should be a paramount concern to modern court reporters just as it is to their attorney clients. Yet their biggest risk remains the same as everyone else's: believing it won't happen to them.
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