The twice-monthly “Dear Ethics Lawyer” column is part of a training regimen of the Legal Ethics Project, authored by Mark Hinderks, former managing partner and counsel to an AmLaw 200 firm. Read More

August 2025

Q: Dear Ethics Lawyer, I am one of four lawyers with a practice focus in technology and with difficult-to-spell or “not catchy” names, who are forming a firm. In a quandary over what to call this collection of fine legal talent in order to be able to effectively market our services, and with a flash of double meaning brilliance, we decided to name it “The IT Lawyers LLC.”  Is this ethical?

Continue Reading August 15 Issue – Trade Names for Law Firms

Q: Dear Ethics Lawyer, A lawyer in our firm represents an insured as client pursuant to an arrangement with an insurance company under a policy that has a duty to defend the claim. Our firm has now been asked by another client to represent it adverse to the insurance company in a completely unrelated coverage dispute. May the firm do so without a waiver? What other ethical considerations apply?

Continue Reading August 1 Issue – Insurance Defense Conflicts