Celesq® Programs

One Misstep Away: Ethics Mistakes with Serious Consequences

Active
Program Number
3680
Program Date
2026-03-03
CLE Credits
1

This ethics program examines common, but often avoidable, professional responsibility mistakes that place attorneys at risk of discipline, suspension, or loss of licensure. Using real-world hypotheticals and practical scenarios, the program addresses breakdowns in attorney-client communication, misrepresentation and dishonesty, improper dealings with represented and unrepresented persons, fee disputes and unreasonable billing practices, trust account errors, improper termination of representation, and the serious consequences of ignoring disciplinary complaints. 

Learning objectives for attorneys include: 

  • Identifying conduct that triggers disciplinary exposure
  • Applying best practices to mitigate ethics and risk-management failures
  • Recognizing warning signs that require corrective action
  • Understanding how disciplinary processes unfold and how attorney responses impact outcomes. 

The program covers key provisions of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, including Rules 1.2 (Scope of Representation), 1.4 (Communication), 1.5 (Fees), 1.15 (Safekeeping Property/Trust Accounts), 1.16 (Declining or Terminating Representation), 3.3 (Candor Toward the Tribunal), 4.1 (Truthfulness in Statements to Others), 4.2 (Communication with Represented Persons), and 4.3 (Dealing with Unrepresented Persons), providing attorneys with concrete guidance to protect clients, uphold ethical obligations, and safeguard their licenses.

Available in States

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Texas Self Study

Program Categories

  • Administrative Law & Regulations
  • Communications and Media Law
  • Ethics & Professionalism
  • Federal Courts
  • Florida Eligible
  • Law Practice Management

PROGRAM CREDITS

  • Legal Ethics : 1 Credit