This legal ethics program will begin with a brief review of the specific conflict rules from the Rules of Professional Conduct. From there, we will challenge the typical excuses for not maintaining a formal conflict-checking system and detail the key components of an effective conflict-checking process. The program will conclude with a discussion of common conflict missteps that lawyers make, along with practical advice on how to avoid them.
Learning Objectives:
Analyze the importance of a formal conflict resolution process.
Understand the dos and don'ts when taking on multiple client representation.
Appreciate a detailed knowledge of the types of information that should be tracked in a comprehensive conflict database.
Know the value of periodically reminding oneself who the client is.
Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq., serves as Risk Manager at ALPS, a leading provider of insurance and risk management solutions for law firms. Since joining ALPS in 1998, Mark has worked with more than 1,200 law firms nationwide, helping attorneys identify vulnerabilities, strengthen firm operations, and reduce professional liability risks.
He has presented over 700 continuing legal education (CLE) seminars across the United States and written extensively on topics including risk management, legal ethics, and cybersecurity.
A trusted voice in the legal community, Mark is a member of the State Bar of Montana and the American Bar Association and holds a J.D. from Drake University Law School. His mission is to help attorneys build safer, more resilient practices in a rapidly evolving legal environment.
Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq., serves as Risk Manager at ALPS, a leading provider of insurance and risk management solutions for law firms. Since joining ALPS in 1998, Mark has worked with more than 1,200 law firms nationwide, helping attorneys identify vulnerabilities, strengthen firm operations, and reduce professional liability risks.