Free Newsletter
Supreme Court reinstates attorney Clayton Halunen
A divided Minnesota Supreme Court reinstated Clayton Halunen after an indefinite suspension for professional misconduct.
Quandaries & Quagmires: Public discipline and the unlawful marketing fee
Rule 5.6(a)’s main policy purpose is to allow clients choice of counsel without migrating counsel being unduly economically disincentivized to continue representation at a new firm.
Quandaries & Quagmires: Client confidentiality and motions to withdraw
ABA Formal Opinion 519 says lawyers must protect client confidentiality when seeking to withdraw, even if continued representation violates other ethics rules.
Missouri judge agrees to step down over Elvis antics, talking politics
Missouri Judge Matthew Thornhill faces a six-month suspension for wearing an Elvis wig, playing music in court, and discussing politics from the bench.
OLPR seeks discipline of lawyer in conflict-of-interest case
The Minnesota ethics board seeks discipline of an attorney, alleging serious conflicts of interest in a criminal sexual conduct case involving a minor.
Quandaries & Quagmires: ‘I hereby reveal a public record.’ What?!
A Minnesota ethics expert critiques OLPR’s confidentiality refresher, arguing it misinterprets Rule 1.6 and overlooks major public-record exceptions.
Judge scolds prosecutors for ‘profound missteps’ in Comey case
A federal judge says the DOJ showed “profound investigative missteps” in securing an indictment against James Comey, ordering release of all grand jury materials.
Legally Speaking: The eyes have it in legal settings
Persuasion in law isn’t just spoken — it’s seen. How eye contact, presence, and emotional intelligence can transform advocacy, mediation, and justice itself.
Court: Facebook posts about law firm not defamatory
The 6th Circuit ruled that Flint council members’ Facebook posts criticizing a local law firm were opinions, not defamatory statements under Michigan law.
Justices exceed OLPR discipline recommendation, disbar attorney
The Minnesota Supreme Court has disbarred attorney Samuel McCloud, citing decades of misconduct, client harm, and a complete lack of remorse.
Legally Speaking: Ghosts, goblins and gray areas in communication
From “zombie texts” to AI risks, this Halloween guide explores the ethical missteps that can haunt lawyers—and how communication skills prevent them.
Breaking the Ice: Start small with AI, attorney recommends
Kristi Paulson, a trial lawyer and owner of PowerHouse Mediation, has advice for lawyers curious about incorporating artificial intelligence into their work: Give it a try, but start small.
Top News
- Dugan’s lawyers ask judge to overturn verdict, citing Virginia case
- Settlement approved in Sartell mobile home park lawsuit
- Massachusetts accuses UnitedHealth unit of fraud
- Larkin’s coming retirement creates Court of Appeals vacancy
- 8th Circuit affirms denial of death benefits under ERISA
- Texas settlement papers describe nation’s first gender ‘detransition clinic’
- Are rap lyrics criminal evidence in Kansas or just artistic expression?
Expert Testimony
- Perspectives: Election litigation starting early in Minnesota
- Quandaries & Quagmires: ‘Dear Ethics Lawyer’ — A Resource for Ethics Training
- Best at Work Insights: AI alone can’t improve your company
- Perspectives: ‘Nuremberg’ movie has Minnesota legal links
