Program Details
2025-04-22 15:00:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2025-04-22 15:00:00
1.5h CLE Credits
Intermediate
1.5
3:00 pm - 3:10 pm ESTThis session explores how attorneys can tailor communication to diverse audiences by using clear, concise language free of unnecessary legalese. Participants will learn the importance of active listening under Rule 1.4 and strategies for addressing generational, cultural, and language barriers in legal settings.
Cari L. Sheehan 3:10 pm - 3:20 pm ESTAttorneys will examine how emotional intelligence helps separate personal feelings from professional decisions to avoid conflicts of interest. The session covers recognizing emotional triggers, responding thoughtfully to provocations, and balancing business judgment with genuine client empathy.
Cari L. Sheehan 3:20 pm - 3:30 pm ESTThis session moves beyond knowing the law to crafting persuasive arguments that explain reasoning and achieve resolution. Participants will learn why effective negotiations require compromise, honest communication, and avoiding emotionally charged tactics that can backfire.
Cari L. Sheehan 3:30 pm - 3:40 pm ESTAttorneys will learn proactive calendar assessment techniques to prevent last-minute deadline crises and extension requests. The session introduces practical organizational tools including color-coding systems and strategies for leveraging support staff effectively.
Cari L. Sheehan 3:40 pm - 3:50 pm ESTThis session covers core relationship-building skills including active listening, respect, and serving as a calm voice of reason. Participants will explore strategies for managing difficult client personalities and understand when Ethics Rule 1.16 permits withdrawal from representation.
Cari L. Sheehan 3:50 pm - 4:00 pm ESTAttorneys will explore how critical thinking distinguishes human legal practitioners from AI applications through experience-based problem solving. The session examines weighing risks and benefits, giving proper weight to relevant factors, and understanding when settlement serves clients better than prolonged litigation.
Cari L. Sheehan 4:00 pm - 4:10 pm ESTA brief intermission allowing participants to refresh before continuing with the remaining sessions. Use this time to reflect on concepts covered and prepare questions for upcoming topics.
Cari L. Sheehan 4:10 pm - 4:25 pm ESTThis session addresses how attorneys must adjust as laws evolve while treating setbacks as learning experiences rather than defeats. Participants will learn real-time adaptation strategies through courtroom and deposition examples, including the cardinal rule of knowing answers before asking questions.
Cari L. Sheehan 4:25 pm - 4:40 pm ESTAttorneys will examine their 24/7 professional obligations under the Rules of Professional Conduct preamble and implications of Rules 8.4(d) and 8.4(g). The session covers developing public speaking skills, effective leadership and mentorship, building collaborative teams, and maintaining work-life balance.
Cari L. SheehanCari L. Sheehan serves as Assistant General Counsel at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, drawing on more than 15 years of experience in civil litigation, conflicts of interest, and professional responsibility. She counsels the firm’s attorneys on ethics compliance, risk prevention, and conflicts of interest, and assists in reviewing and negotiating outside counsel guidelines, conflict waivers, engagement letters, and other documents with ethical implications. She also helps deliver ethics training and education to the firm’s attorneys and staff.
Cari L. Sheehan serves as Assistant General Counsel at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, drawing on more than 15 years of experience in civil litigation, conflicts of interest, and professional responsibility. She counsels the firm’s attorneys on ethics compliance, risk prevention, and conflicts of interest, and assists in reviewing and negotiating outside counsel guidelines, conflict waivers, engagement letters, and other documents with ethical implications. She also helps deliver ethics training and education to the firm’s attorneys and staff.
Requirements
The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.
Formats
