Ethics for Business Attorney

Catalog description

This is an interactive two credit course which explores the practical application of the law governing lawyers and exposes the student to a wide range of ethical issues facing the practitioner, with emphasis on the New York Rules of Professional Conduct. The course will focus on the ethical obligations of the business or corporate attorney including confidentiality, conflicts and the attorney-client privilege. This year we will consider the impact of the recent changes to the Rules as they relate to Cybersecurity, Privacy, Data Protection and Misconduct relating to discrimination, harassment and inclusion, as well as those Rules relating to the impact of the pandemic on an attorneys ethical obligations and the challenges inherent in working remotely. The class will also focus on the key Rules relating to Competence, Diligence, Communication and Confidentiality. With the large number of high profile corporate and political scandals, including the emission scandal at Volkswagen, ignition switch problems at General Motors and the suspension of Rudy Giulianis license to practice law in New York State, as well as the changes to the Rules and the applicable law, specifically Sarbanes Oxley and Dodd Frank, it is important that the practitioner understand the unique issues, challenges and conflicts facing the business attorney. This course satisfies the Professional Responsibility requirement and meets one of the elective course requirements for the Certificate in Compliance and Risk Management.