'Lawyer Disciplinary Complaints' focus of ABA webinar, Dec. 20

The American Bar Association will present the webinar “Peeling Back the Curtain: Lawyer Disciplinary Complaints” on Monday, December 20 from 1 to 2 p.m. [CC]

This CLE will offer a behind the scenes look at the lifespan of a disciplinary complaint from the time the complaint is made until full resolution.  It will generally walk attendees through the assessment of how complaints are screened, what type of complaints are most commonly made, and the accompanying ethical rules alleged to have been violated, the investigation phase, and the administrative complaint process from the perspective of both disciplinary counsel and defense counsel.

Panelists will also discuss best practices in terms of responding to disciplinary complaints and common mistakes made.  Lastly, the panelists will discuss the aggravating and mitigating factors weighed in determining sanctions.

The panelists who will peel back the curtain on the disciplinary process are Julia A. Sheridan, bar counsel, Board of Overseers of the Bar, in Maine, whose experience includes trial and appellate practice; Eva J. Dossier, co-managing member, Stanley, Reuter, Ross, Thornton, & Alford LLC, who represents lawyers and law firms, including in relation to ethics and professional liability matters; Laura N. Gryb, bar counsel, who represents the Florida Bar in prosecuting ethical violations before the Florida Supreme Court.

This panel discussion will be moderated by Melissa M. Lessell,  equity partner, Deutsch Kerrigan LLP, who is a member of the Firm’s Commercial Litigation and Professional Liability Department, her practice focuses on the defense of professionals and directors and officers in litigation and disciplinary proceedings.

The webinar is free for ABA member and $130 for non-members.  To register, visit www.americanbar.org and click on “events.”