Legal Ethics

Explore insightful discussions and resources on the principles governing the professional conduct of lawyers and law firms. Under this category, visitors will find video interviews with attorneys and articles detailing the ethical obligations and standards within various legal professions, ensuring compliance with the American Bar Association’s guidelines. Discover how these ethical considerations impact attorney-client relationships and influence legal practice across the United States.

Attorney Andrew Dosa: How I'm Adapting My Practice to Protect Clients During Covid-19

Does Attorney-Client Privilege Protect Emails Forwarded to a Spouse or Friend?

Attorney-Client Privilege and Confidentiality /

In most cases, attorney-client privilege is **waived** the moment you forward your lawyer’s email to a spouse or friend. Courts generally treat that act as disclosure to a third party, destroying confidentiality unless a narrow exception applies. This article explains how waiver works, key exceptions, and practical steps to protect privilege in emails and texts. […]

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Spencer Herron attorney expert legal tips

Top Spencer Herron Today Attorney Tips from Experts

Criminal Defense, Family Law, Personal Injury Law /

Post-conviction relief can include at least 3 common pathways: direct appeal, state post-conviction motions, and federal habeas corpus. A post-conviction attorney reviews the record for legal errors, ineffective assistance, and constitutional violations while tracking strict filing deadlines. This article outlines key rights, options, and next steps after a conviction, including sex offense cases. Understanding Post-Conviction

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Blue binder labeled LEGAL DOCUMENTS stacked with a yellow binder on top, on a cluttered desk with papers and pens

How a Lawyer Counters Allegations of Professional Misconduct

Attorney Discipline and Bar Complaints, Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Legal Malpractice and Liability /

In Texas, a lawyer can counter professional misconduct allegations by responding within statutory deadlines, presenting evidence, and negotiating or contesting discipline in hearings. Board investigations often begin quickly and can impact your license and reputation before any final ruling. This article explains the defense steps, strategy, and common outcomes across Texas licensing boards. In Texas,

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Lawyer sanctioned for AI-generated fake citation

How One Lawyer Got Sanctioned for a Fake Case Citation He Never Wrote

Artificial Intelligence Risks, Attorney Ethics and Misconduct, Court Procedures and Rules, Legal Malpractice, Legal Technology /

A lawyer can be sanctioned—even disbarred—for filing a brief that cites a fake case, even if he claims he didn’t write the citation. Courts treat attorneys as responsible for verifying every authority submitted under their name, and they increasingly scrutinize AI‑generated or copied citations. This article explains how the sanction happened, what rules were violated,

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Divorce papers beside a glowing AI chat screen

If an AI Helped You Draft Your Divorce Petition, Can Your Spouse Read Every Word?

Artificial Intelligence, Divorce Law, Family Law, Legal Technology, Privacy and Data Protection /

Usually no—your spouse can’t automatically read every draft your AI tool generated; discovery typically reaches what you retained and relied on, not every intermediate prompt or unused version. But AI chats, uploads, and draft histories may be discoverable if they’re relevant, shared with third parties, or not protected by attorney-client privilege or work-product rules. This

If an AI Helped You Draft Your Divorce Petition, Can Your Spouse Read Every Word? Read More »

AI chatbot displaying legal advice on screen

Your Company’s AI Chatbot Just Became a Lawyer — That’s a Federal Problem

Artificial Intelligence, Business Technology, Consumer Protection, Legal & Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management /

Yes—if your AI chatbot gives legal advice, it can trigger unauthorized practice of law liability, and federal regulators can also get involved. Businesses are responsible for chatbot outputs, especially when users rely on them for legal decisions. This article explains where chatbots cross the line, key federal/state risks, and practical compliance safeguards. When Your Chatbot

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Judge questioning lawyer about AI use in courtroom

Why Judges Are Now Asking ‘Did You Use ChatGPT?’ Under Oath

Artificial Intelligence, Court Procedures & Regulations, Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility, Legal Technology Trends, Technology & Law /

Judges are asking “Did you use ChatGPT?” under oath because some courts now require AI-use disclosures and sanctions have followed filings with fabricated case citations. These questions verify attorney competence, protect the record, and enforce duties of candor and verification. This article explains why the shift is happening, what rules are emerging, and how lawyers

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Gavel beside a laptop showing AI contract text

I Let AI Write My Contract. Then the Judge Threw the Case Out.

Artificial Intelligence, Business & Finance, Contract Law, Legal Technology, Personal Experience & Case Studies /

Courts can dismiss your case if an AI-written contract is vague, inconsistent, or fails basic legal requirements like mutual assent and clear terms. As judges scrutinize contract language, missing definitions, mismatched clauses, and unenforceable provisions can turn an agreement into a litigation liability. This article explains why AI-drafted contracts break down in court, the red

I Let AI Write My Contract. Then the Judge Threw the Case Out. Read More »

Lawyer fined for AI-hallucinated court case

AI Hallucinated a Case. The Lawyer Got Fined $10,000. You’re Next If You Do This.

Artificial Intelligence, Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility, Professional Development, Risk Management, Technology & Law /

A New York federal judge fined a lawyer $10,000 in 2023 for filing a brief with AI-invented case citations generated by ChatGPT. The court found the cited cases and quotations did not exist and warned that attorneys remain responsible for accuracy. This article explains what happened, why it violated duties, and how to prevent AI

AI Hallucinated a Case. The Lawyer Got Fined $10,000. You’re Next If You Do This. Read More »

AI robot witness testifying in a courtroom

Can AI Testify in Court? A Judge Just Said Yes.

Artificial Intelligence, Court Proceedings & Evidence, Ethics & Accountability, Law & Legal Affairs, Technology & Society /

Yes—an AI-generated witness statement can be admitted in court, as a judge has now allowed such evidence in at least one case. The ruling signals that AI outputs may be treated like other digital records, but only if parties can meet authentication, reliability, and hearsay requirements. This article explains what the decision means, the legal

Can AI Testify in Court? A Judge Just Said Yes. Read More »

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