By:  LINDSEY O’NEILL, ESQ.

The first ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20 is coming up…. it will be held February 5, 2010  at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel.  There are some very interesting topics proposed to be discussed, particularly with regard to whether existing ethics rules adequately address the practice of law in the era of advanced technology.  Specifically, the commission hopes to address issues including virtual law firms, the use of social networking sites by lawyers and law firms, and publishing legal information online.  (See the Commission’s full Preliminary Issues Outline.)  The Commission’s website maintains that it will “….perform a thorough review of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and the U.S. system of lawyer regulation in the context of advances in technology…”   All in all, the Commission expects to spend about three years to thoroughly research/analyze the issues and develop proposed policies and rules that will “…  allow lawyers to better serve their clients, the courts and the public now and well into the future.” 

The Commission has also set up a list serve, which you can join to receive periodic updates on the issues, participate in discussions, review and comment on draft rules, and learn about meetings and other forums.  This is an opportunity for lawyers to get out of “stands” and onto the “court”….  and participate in what the rules should be!  Let’s embrace the advances of technology with respect for the profession, for clients’ needs and for the public’s access to legal information and lawyers in their communities.