Program Details
2026-10-15 12:00:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2026-10-15 12:00:00
2h CLE Credits
Intermediate
2
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ESTThis program explains how to draft more defensible engagement letters by focusing on three core pillars: clearly identifying who is—and who is not—the client, defining the scope of the representation with enforceable specificity, and structuring fee provisions so they comply with current ethics and trust‑account rules. The session emphasizes that engagement letters are not merely intake documents, but core risk‑management tools that can reduce malpractice exposure, prevent unintended client relationships, and improve compliance with evolving rules on advance fees and flat‑fee arrangements. The presentation incorporates recent authority, including ABA Formal Opinion 505 on prepaid fees and In re Alexei’s default rule on when flat fees are earned, and provides clause‑level drafting examples that attendees can apply immediately to new and existing templates.
Cari L. Sheehan 1:10 pm - 2:10 pm ESTAn engagement letter should do more than define the representation at the outset—it should establish expectations for how the attorney-client relationship will operate throughout the matter and how it will end when necessary. This session focuses on modern engagement letter provisions addressing artificial intelligence, technology-assisted legal services, client communication protocols, confidentiality, conflicts, file ownership, document retention, and disengagement procedures. Participants will examine emerging ethics guidance on AI-assisted practice and learn how carefully drafted operational and termination provisions can reduce disputes, facilitate clean withdrawals, and minimize post-representation risk.
Doug RichmondCari 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.
Doug Richmond is a Senior Vice President with the Lockton Companies, where he advises Lockton’s law firm clients on professional responsibility and liability issues. He joined Lockton after retiring as a Managing Director of Aon’s Professional Services Practice, where he led Aon’s loss prevention services across all professions. Before joining Aon, Doug was a partner with Armstrong Teasdale LLP in Kansas City, Missouri (1989–2004), where he had a broad civil trial and appellate practice.
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.
Doug Richmond is a Senior Vice President with the Lockton Companies, where he advises Lockton’s law firm clients on professional responsibility and liability issues. He joined Lockton after retiring as a Managing Director of Aon’s Professional Services Practice, where he led Aon’s loss prevention services across all professions. Before joining Aon, Doug was a partner with Armstrong Teasdale LLP in Kansas City, Missouri (1989–2004), where he had a broad civil trial and appellate practice.
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
