As attorneys, our primary responsibility is to advocate for our clients. Indeed, we have a duty to be zealous in our advocacy. Advocacy just isn’t speech. It involves conduct and the duty to be fair in all that we say and do with our clients and colleagues.

• What does zealous advocacy mean in the context of the rules of ethics?
• How does one avoid crossing the ethical line into conduct or speech which may be viewed as extreme or overreaching?
• When does passion become perceived as fury or subterfuge and degrade rather than uplift you and your client?
• How do you know when you are crossing the ethical line?

Register today to hear David Dugan, Esq., one of New Jersey’s leading attorney ethics experts, provide much needed and insight guidance to these questions. He will discuss the conduct and language that is expected of an ethical zealous advocate. You will learn what is permissible, what the boundaries are and what constitutes “crossing the line.” In the end, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the issues you need to be aware of, as well as some practical tips for your practice.

The most prominent of the RPCs dealing with advocacy:
• 3.1 (claims must have merit),
• 3.2 (others must be treated with courtesy),
• 3.3 (statements to the court must be truthful and candid),
• 3.4 (tactics must be fair),
• 3.6 (public statements are limited)
• 3.8 (prosecutors have special duties). In addition, I plan to
• Conflicts of interest, particularly with regard to public entity representation
• Case referrals and fee sharing.
• The disciplinary process
• What to do when a grievance is filed against you