Print PDF Lawyers and Ethics Compliance

RK&O has a wealth of experience representing lawyers and law firms in matters ranging from internal or criminal investigations to professional ethics and loss prevention.  Closer scrutiny of the role of lawyers in corporate misconduct, especially after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act introduced rules governing attorney conduct before the SEC, has increased the need for law firms and lawyers to seek our counsel. 

Though RK&O frequently acts as outside counsel to advise lawyers and firms on their ethical responsibilities, we also work alongside in-house counsel to provide practical and effective guidance concerning conflicts of interest, lawyer misconduct and client confidentiality – including guidance on handling the challenging privilege and confidentiality issues that arise when our clients’ lawyers become involved in criminal or regulatory investigations.

Outside the firm, RK&O’s attorneys are involved in bar activities related to the issues facing lawyers and law firms.  Our lawyers frequently publish articles and memoranda concerning attorney conduct and professional responsibilities.

Publications

• "Expanded Supervisory Liability for In-House Lawyers" by James Walker, Daniel Zinman and Grant Mogan published in the New York Law Journal
• "In-House Lawyers Beware: SEC Expands Supervisory Liability" by James Walker, Daniel Zinman and Grant Mogan
• "Ninth Circuit’s Reversal of Evidence Exclusion in Broadcom Case Does Not Alter Lessons Learned Regarding Upjohn Warnings" by Shari Brandt and James Walker
• "Issuing a Proper Upjohn Warning Will Not Cure Multiple Representation Conflicts" by James Walker and Shari Brandt

Presentations

• James Walker presents “LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, Oh My! Ethics & Privacy in Social Media” hosted by the LSTA
• Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP to co-sponsor and present at the inaugural Latin American Congress on Ethics, Transparency & Anti-Corruption Compliance
• James Walker participates in PLI “Ethics for Corporate Counsel: Multijurisdictional Practice and Other Current Issues” seminar
• James Walker participates in “Preserving Privileges: Ethical Issues Confronting Insurers, Policyholders, & Counsel” panel sponsored by the New York City Bar Association

News & Announcements

• Eva Marie Carney quoted in Hedge Fund Law Report article “Dual-Hatting: Benefits, Challenges and Recommendations for Persons Simultaneously Serving as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of a Hedge Fund Manager”
• James Walker quoted in Law360 article "FDIC Sets Its Sights On Failed Banks' Law Firms"
• James Walker quoted in the CBS New York article "NY Bar: Lawyers May Comb Social Media For Dirt"
• MaryJeanette Dee and James Walker appear in Super Lawyers - Corporate Counsel Edition