Ethics Committee

Upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, one decision at a time.

Guiding the legal profession towards ethical excellence

The Ethics Committee is dedicated to upholding the standards of ethics and professionalism in the legal profession. As a valuable resource to the entire community, the committee provides feedback and comments on proposed opinions, rules and legislation that impact attorney ethics and professionalism. The committee also writes advisory opinions on ethical issues where guidance is needed and develops educational content to educate the entire profession on ethics issues.

The Ethics Committee works closely with both internal and external ethics groups, including COPRAC and county bar associations, to ensure the highest standards of ethical behavior are upheld within the legal community. By acting as a resource to sections that provide practice area-specific ethics content, the Ethics Committee is committed to promoting ethical conduct and professional responsibility in all aspects of the legal profession.

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Upcoming Events

Today

California Lawyers Association

Webinar: Something’s Gotta Give

Stuart Teicher thinks lawyers are at an ethical crossroads, and it’s all because of AI. Is it possible that the current rules are inadequate in the modern technological environment?  Could there be — dare we say — a flaw in the application of the current code??!! Join the guy who calls himself “the CLE Performer” as he explores whether the practice of law is in the midst of a shifting technological-ethical paradigm. Stuart will explain how the current ethical standards regarding AI were created, he’ll explore the changes the rules have gone through over the years, and the impact of the challenges from the world of technology today. Mr. Teicher will discuss:

We are committed to accessibility! Virtual events are equipped with closed captioning. To request an in-person accommodation, send us a note at accessibility@calawyers.org or contact us at 916-516-1760 for assistance.

Past Events (90 Days)

Today

California Lawyers Association

Webinar: Something’s Gotta Give

Stuart Teicher thinks lawyers are at an ethical crossroads, and it’s all because of AI. Is it possible that the current rules are inadequate in the modern technological environment?  Could there be — dare we say — a flaw in the application of the current code??!! Join the guy who calls himself “the CLE Performer” as he explores whether the practice of law is in the midst of a shifting technological-ethical paradigm. Stuart will explain how the current ethical standards regarding AI were created, he’ll explore the changes the rules have gone through over the years, and the impact of the challenges from the world of technology today. Mr. Teicher will discuss:

We are committed to accessibility! Virtual events are equipped with closed captioning. To request an in-person accommodation, send us a note at accessibility@calawyers.org or contact us at 916-516-1760 for assistance.

Read Our Recent Ethics Spotlights

See all Ethics Spotlights

Check Out Our Formal Opinions

See all Formal Opinions

Publications

See all Ethics Publications

Resources

California Rules of Professional Conduct & State Bar Act
Advisory Opinions From Other Organizations

2024-25 Committee Members

We are grateful for the tireless work and dedication of our committee members in the Ethics Committee. Their contributions in providing feedback and comments on proposed opinions, rules and legislation, writing advisory opinions on ethical issues, developing educational content, and working closely with internal and external ethics groups, have helped to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in the legal profession. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to promoting ethical conduct and professional responsibility.

Suzanne Burke Spencer, Chair
Scott Garner, Vice-Chair
David Samani, Secretary
Merri Baldwin
Carole Buckner
Andrew Dilworth
Alison Buchanan

David Majchrzak
Dianne Jackson McLean
Kevin Mohr
Toby Rothschild
Neil Wertlieb
Noah Rosenthal

For information on applying to join the Ethics Committee next year or to suggest topics for advisory opinions, contact us at ethics@calawyers.org

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