Being prepared is your professional responsibility
Defining Disaster: For anyone, planning for the possibility of a large natural disaster—such as a hurricane, tornado, or flooding—is prudent. But many events that are not disasters to the community at large can be a disaster for an attorney: the sudden death or disability of a key individual to a firm, disbarment or suspension, an office fire, a breach of cyber security, or even simply spilling coffee on an office computer.
Disaster and Professionalism: While the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct set forth the regulations under which attorneys practice, these rules do not excuse a failure to comply based on the occurrence of a disaster. If an attorney has knowledge that a disaster could occur, they are potentially subject to ethical violations and legal malpractice claims if they fail to plan for it.
Being Prepared: This course is designed to help you think about how vulnerable you or your firm are to disaster and then how to prepare. What resources are available? How will a particular disaster affect my clients/co-workers/family? Periodic evaluation and subsequent updating of resource identification, specific emergency plans and financial support are critical to the ethical and professional practice of law.
Disaster and Professionalism: While the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct set forth the regulations under which attorneys practice, these rules do not excuse a failure to comply based on the occurrence of a disaster. If an attorney has knowledge that a disaster could occur, they are potentially subject to ethical violations and legal malpractice claims if they fail to plan for it.
Being Prepared: This course is designed to help you think about how vulnerable you or your firm are to disaster and then how to prepare. What resources are available? How will a particular disaster affect my clients/co-workers/family? Periodic evaluation and subsequent updating of resource identification, specific emergency plans and financial support are critical to the ethical and professional practice of law.
During this experience you will:
- Explore several different types of disasters specific to attorneys
- Review effective practices for disaster planning
- Brainstorm ideas of how to proactively avoid disasters
- Locate resources designed to assist and support you in your efforts
This learning experience is unique and robust and provides an opportunity for engaging, personalized education.
- The course runs from July 16 - August 12, 2023.
- You can go at your own pace and schedule.
- You can earn 5-8 CLE credit hours in most jurisdictions (pre-approved for 7 in TX and PA!).
- Completion garners you a "Diaster Preparedness" certificate from the American Inns of Court.