Francesca Giannoni-Crystal will be presenting a program on a form of misconduct that was once dismissed as “private” but in fact profoundly affects the legal profession and the justice system: sexual and relationship scandals involving lawyers and judges.
These incidents are not isolated — they are increasingly visible. Recent cases across the U.S. have shown how this type of misconduct can affect proceedings, create conflicts of interest, and undermine public trust in the justice system.

These matters raise deep questions of professional responsibility, conflicts of interest, and institutional supervision:

• When do personal relationships become professional conflicts under Model Rules 1.7 and 1.8(j)?
• How far do supervisory duties under Rules 5.1–5.3 extend when a firm fails to act?
• What happens when different jurisdictions’ ethics rules collide under Rule 8.5?

We will also analyze the differences between professional responsibility consequences (e.g., bar discipline and law firm internal sanctions) and courtroom consequences, including disqualification, motions to dismiss, and immunity claims.

We’ll explore these questions through cases including the Texas Bankruptcy Court and Alaska judicial scandals, Peterson v. Jones, Rix v. Polsinelli PC, and Baker & McKenzie v. Radford, as well as the older but important Weeks v. Baker & McKenzie — to examine how personal misconduct can implicate conflicts of interest, supervisory obligations, and, ultimately, the profession’s integrity. Happening Tomorrow at 12 PM ET: Romance and Courtroom Scandals Webinar

To register: https://lnkd.in/gtUjvxME