What’s worse than having a client go elsewhere, and then ask you to spend time helping your replacement? Yesterday (January 21, 2026), the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility issued Formal Opinion 520, clarifying the extent to which Model Rule 1.16(d) requires attorneys to convey information to a former
AI transcription tools that record, transcribe, and summarize calls are attractive to lawyers and clients alike and are becoming ubiquitous in some circles. But lawyers must take care to use these tools ethically and avoid pitfalls that could compromise privilege and confidentiality. The New York City Bar Association’s Professional Ethics Committee recently issued Formal Opinion
As we welcome 2026 with high hopes and new resolutions, let’s review some highlights from 2025 and consider practices that should be carried forward into the new year and those which should be left behind.
Ethics Opinions Issued in 2025
In Texas Ethics Opinion 701, the Professional Ethics Committee concluded that an attorney