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New Technologies Make for a Shifting Definition of 'Technical Competence'
In 2012, the ABA amended Comment 8 to Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.1 (Lawyers Duty of Competence) to address technology competency. The comment now reads: To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer shall keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology … (emphasis added).
Nearly 10 years later, in 2021, a now-infamous Texas lawyer appeared in a virtual legal proceeding over Zoom unwittingly using a filter that turned his face into that of an adorable kitten — and then couldn't figure out how to turn it off. "I'm here live. I'm not a cat," said the lawyer. "I can see that," the judge responded before kindly attempting to walk the lawyer through fixing the filter issue.
In the court of public opinion, this particular scenario likely underscored a tool (Zoom) that was giving people worldwide some consternation as being a rapid pivot during COVID-19 lockdowns, without much time for training or "getting up to speed." However, people do expect more from those in the legal profession.
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How Secure Is the AI System Your Law Firm Is Using?
In a profession where confidentiality is paramount, failing to address AI security concerns could have disastrous consequences. It is vital that law firms and those in related industries ask the right questions about AI security to protect their clients and their reputation.
COVID-19 and Lease Negotiations: Early Termination Provisions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some tenants were able to negotiate termination agreements with their landlords. But even though a landlord may agree to terminate a lease to regain control of a defaulting tenant's space without costly and lengthy litigation, typically a defaulting tenant that otherwise has no contractual right to terminate its lease will be in a much weaker bargaining position with respect to the conditions for termination.
Pleading Importation: ITC Decisions Highlight Need for Adequate Evidentiary Support
The International Trade Commission is empowered to block the importation into the United States of products that infringe U.S. intellectual property rights, In the past, the ITC generally instituted investigations without questioning the importation allegations in the complaint, however in several recent cases, the ITC declined to institute an investigation as to certain proposed respondents due to inadequate pleading of importation.
The Power of Your Inner Circle: Turning Friends and Social Contacts Into Business Allies
Practical strategies to explore doing business with friends and social contacts in a way that respects relationships and maximizes opportunities.
Authentic Communications Today Increase Success for Value-Driven Clients
As the relationship between in-house and outside counsel continues to evolve, lawyers must continue to foster a client-first mindset, offer business-focused solutions, and embrace technology that helps deliver work faster and more efficiently.