Agenda / Content Covered

2:00 PM - 5:15 PM Eastern Standard Time
Break 3:30 - 3:45
Presenter: Steven R. Sorenson

1. Accidentally Getting in Over One's Head
   1. Duty of Competence
   2. Knowing What One Knows and Can Learn
   3. Getting Help
2. Accidentally Getting Ahead of the Client
   1. Misunderstandings with Client About Scope of Authority
   2. Apparent Agency Problems
   3. Is There Even a Client?
3. Conflicts Arising After a Representation Has Commenced
   1. Updating Conflicts Searches
   2. Unenforceability of Future Waivers
4. Underestimating Fees
   1. The S.W.A.G. Trap and Need for Real Budgeting
   2. Budget Ranges and Reserves
5. Accidentally Over-Estimating Odds of Success
   1. Clinically Evaluating the Client's Story
   2. Investigation Before Estimation
   3. Honesty About Case Weaknesses
   4. Projecting Confidence Without Overconfidence
6. Accidental Mishandling of Funds
   1. IOLTA Accounts
   2. Ear-Marking and Accounting
7. Unawareness of Possibly Impaired Judgment
   1. Lawful Pharmaceuticals and Medical Treatments
   2. Temporary Emotional Impairments
   3. Financial and Social Pressures
   4. Personal Bias
8. Accidental Leaks of Confidences
   1. Trains, Planes, Automobiles, Lobbies and Elevators
   2. E-mail Precautions
9. Cutting Corners at the Client's Request
   1. Client Demands for Unreasonable Speed
   2. Client's Unreasonable Expense and Cost Constraints
10. Communications Short-Comings
    1. Timeliness
    2. Substance
    3. Empathy

Accreditation Details:

STEVEN R. SORENSON is a shareholder with the law firm of von Briesen & Roper, s.c. He is a member of the American Bar Association Law Foundation, chairs the District Three Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation Committee, and serves on the Ethics Committee of the American Bar Association's Legal Education Committee. Mr. Sorenson formerly served as secretary and president of the State Bar of Wisconsin. He is a former member of the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association, former president of both the National Conference of Bar Presidents and the Wisconsin Law Foundation Fellows, and a current member of the foundation's Board of Trustees. Mr. Sorenson presents lectures throughout the state of Wisconsin on various topics, ranging from real estate law to professional ethics. He earned his undergraduate degree from Luther College and his Juris Doctorate degree from Marquette University Law School. During that time, he also attended American University in Washington, D.C. to study national public policy.