News Releases

State Bar Announces Trainings for New Rules of Professional Conduct

The State Bar of California announces the launch of attorney training programs regarding the new Rules of Professional Conduct, which go into effect November 1.

The new Rules of Professional Conduct were approved by the California Supreme Court earlier this year. This marks the first overhaul of ethics rules for attorneys licensed in California in nearly 30 years.

Two initial training sessions have been scheduled for late October and early November. Additional information is available online. The Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 trainings offer three hours of MCLE credit in Legal Ethics. The trainings are available in-person and online via live webcast.

Friday, October 26, 2018
9:30 am – 12:45 pm
The State Bar of California
845 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles

Friday, November 2, 2018
9:30 am – 12:45 pm
The State Bar of California
180 Howard Street, San Francisco

In November the State Bar will also launch an online training via the State Bar website that provides an overview of the new Rules of Professional Conduct. This e-learning program will be available to attorneys licensed in California.

These training programs are part of the State Bar's efforts to ensure that the more than 250,000 active and inactive licensed attorneys in California are informed about the new rules governing the legal profession.

Additionally, the State Bar's ethics hotline (800-238-4427) is available to help attorneys navigate the new rules. The hotline is a free and confidential resource for attorneys seeking guidance on their professional responsibilities.

Highlights of the new rules include:

• Rule 8.4.1: Prohibits harassment and discrimination in representation of clients and law firm operations. This rule allows the State Bar to open an investigation without a previous civil finding. It also expands the protected categories to include gender identity and gender expression, in addition to sexual orientation.
• Rule 1.2.1: Prohibits a lawyer from counseling or assisting a client in the violation of any law, rule, or ruling of a tribunal. This rule includes guidance to California attorneys who advise clients in areas where state law differs from federal law, including cannabis businesses and immigration issues.
• Rule 1.8.10: Introduces a stricter rule against sex with clients, banning sexual relationships unless there was a prior consensual relationship.
• Rule 3.8: Provides guidance about the special responsibilities of prosecutors in criminal cases concerning discovery and exculpatory evidence. This rule went into effect in November 2017 as rule 5-110 in advance of the other rules.

The new Rules of Professional Conduct are available on the State Bar website.

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