Wed, June 4, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
Ethical Responsibilities to Protect the Rule of Law
This ethics session will explore the core ethical obligations of lawyers. These principles are especially compelling when the lawyer faces adversity, and helpfully inform the lawyer's analysis of how particular ethical rules may apply in fraught circumstances. These highest-order ethical obligations include fidelity to the Constitution and rule of law, professional independence, candor in advisement, and refusal to participate in conduct that is illegal, unethical, fraudulent, or otherwise wrong. Special attention will be paid to the reasons that lawyers — like others in positions of trust — compromise their integrity, and what one can do to guard against succumbing to pressures and incentives to betray one's ethical obligations.
Consider reading Professor Rudesill's recent Bench and Bar Article "Ethical Advice for These Times, and All Times"
Moderator:
Professor Dakota Rudesill | Associate Professor of Law, Moritz College of Law, Ohio State University. Minnesota State Bar Association Member. BA, St. Olaf. JD, Yale Law School.
Presenter:
Hon. Jamie Baker | Director, Syracuse University Institute for Security Policy and Law Professor of Public Administration, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
CLE Credits:
1.0 Ethics CLE Credits | Event Code: TBD
Registration Deadline:
June 3rd at 2:00 pm. To register after that time, email the program manager.
The Role of the Rule of Law CLE Series: Lawyering in a Constantly Evolving Legal Landscape
This CLE series explores the concept of the rule of law—an ideal often invoked but rarely defined with precision. You may have heard that the rule of law means “the government of law, not men”; though it can be hard to understand how the rule of law exists separately from those who make it and those who live it.
The ABA’s World Justice Project has proposed a working definition of the rule of law that includes four principles:
- A system of self-government in which all persons, including the government, are accountable under the law
- A system based on fair, publicized, broadly understood and stable laws
- A fair, robust, and accessible legal process in which rights and responsibilities based in law are evenly enforced
- Diverse, competent, and independent lawyers and judges
This series will provide a presentation about the historical development of the rule of law, from the magna carta to its current role in democratic governance. Also included in the series will be sessions that will address current and emerging needs in the legal profession. Recognizing that many attorneys are active leaders in the broader community, these sessions will provide tangible takeaways to help you support the community around you.
Rule of Law Series Dates
- June 24, 2025
Protecting Nonprofits in Uncertain Times Through Pro Bono Service | On Demand - June 4, 2025
Ethical Responsibility in Challenging Times — and All Times | On Demand - May 13, 2025
Navigating Emerging Threats to Nonprofits: Legal Considerations for Attorneys and Board Members | On Demand - April 24, 2025
The Magna Carta, Constitutionalism, and the Rise of the Rule of Law | On Demand - April 21, 2025
How Lawyers Can Prepare Their Corporate Clients for Immigration Site Visits | On Demand
Remote instructions will be emailed to you the day prior to the event.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment in which all members can participate fully. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, please notify the program manager with at least 72 hours notice prior to the meeting to allow sufficient time to make arrangements for accommodations.
Refunds will be processed for cancellation requests received in writing before noon on the registration deadline. Cancellation requests received after noon on the registration deadline are not eligible for refunds. You may send a colleague in your place if you are unable to join us and the registration deadline has passed.
