Litigation Ethics: Winning at All Costs May Be Unethical

The rules governing litigation, for example, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, are primarily procedural in nature, rather than ethical. Lawyers conducting litigation, however, are always subject to the Rules of Professional Conduct, many of which apply directly to litigation. This course provides an overview of the ethical rules that apply to the initiation and conduct of litigation. A more specific purpose is to remind lawyers that the ethical rules require them to “play the game” correctly, and that winning at all costs may be unethical.

This program provides an overview of the many ethical rules applicable to litigation, which are not explicitly reflected in procedural rules that directly govern the initiation and conduct of litigation. Attendees will review the ethical rules from the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Model Rules, as well as their application to various stages of litigation.

Litigators of all experience levels who want an overview of, or a refresher course on, the ethical rules that apply to litigation are encouraged to attend this seminar.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review ethical rules that apply to the initiation and conduct of litigation.
2. Understand the specific application of ethical rules to the conduct of litigation and what happens when an attorney fails to comply with such rules.
3. Recognize the boundary between zealous advocacy and unethical conduct.

Course Time Schedule:

Eastern Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Central Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Mountain Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Pacific Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Alaska Time: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Hawaii-Aleutian Time: 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM

This course is also being presented on the following dates:

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Wednesday, June 10, 2026