Program Details
2026-11-06 12:00:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2026-11-06 12:00:00
2h CLE Credits
Intermediate
2
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ESTThis session equips attorneys to identify the warning signs of substance use disorders, mental health impairment, and cognitive decline in colleagues, and to understand when recognition triggers ethical obligations under Model Rules 1.1, 5.1, and 8.3. Attendees will learn how Lawyer Assistance Programs operate, what confidentiality protections apply, and how to use LAP referrals without inadvertently triggering—or waiving—reporting duties. By the end of this session, attorneys will be able to distinguish between general workplace observation and LAP-protected information, navigate state-specific rule variations, and take appropriate protective action for clients when a colleague’s impairment affects competent representation.
Tracy L. Kepler
Laurie J. Besden 1:10 pm - 2:10 pm ESTThis session examines the ethical obligations attorneys face when a colleague’s impairment crosses into reportable misconduct, the mechanisms available to protect clients when a lawyer cannot continue to practice, and the legal framework governing reinstatement after impairment-related discipline. Attorneys will analyze Model Rule 8.3 reporting duties, mandatory withdrawal under Rule 1.16(a)(2), disability inactive status, court-appointed trusteeship, and the reinstatement standards under ABA Model Rule 25. Attendees will leave with a concrete understanding of when and how to act, how to avoid common compliance mistakes, and what a returning lawyer must demonstrate to be reinstated.
Tracy L. KeplerLaurie J. BesdenTracy L. Kepler has spent more than two decades in attorney regulation, discipline, and client protection. From 2000 to 2014, she served as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), where she investigated and prosecuted cases of attorney misconduct. She later directed the American Bar Association’s Center for Professional Responsibility, providing national leadership in legal and judicial ethics, professional regulation, professionalism, client protection, professional liability, and attorney well-being. She is now a Risk Control Director for CNA’s Lawyers Insurance Program, where she designs and develops risk control initiatives relevant to the practice of law.
Laurie J. Besden is the Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc. (LCL PA), the state’s lawyer assistance program. From 2011 to 2015, as LCL PA’s Deputy Executive Director, she oversaw its Helpline operations, served as the primary contact for intervention requests, expanded its law school outreach, and increased its presence within the organized bench and bar. Since becoming Executive Director in 2015, she has continued in most of these capacities while assuming responsibility for the organization’s administrative and financial operations and its judges’ assistance program, Judges Concerned for Judges.
Tracy L. Kepler has spent more than two decades in attorney regulation, discipline, and client protection. From 2000 to 2014, she served as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), where she investigated and prosecuted cases of attorney misconduct. She later directed the American Bar Association’s Center for Professional Responsibility, providing national leadership in legal and judicial ethics, professional regulation, professionalism, client protection, professional liability, and attorney well-being. She is now a Risk Control Director for CNA’s Lawyers Insurance Program, where she designs and develops risk control initiatives relevant to the practice of law.
Laurie J. Besden is the Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc. (LCL PA), the state’s lawyer assistance program. From 2011 to 2015, as LCL PA’s Deputy Executive Director, she oversaw its Helpline operations, served as the primary contact for intervention requests, expanded its law school outreach, and increased its presence within the organized bench and bar. Since becoming Executive Director in 2015, she has continued in most of these capacities while assuming responsibility for the organization’s administrative and financial operations and its judges’ assistance program, Judges Concerned for Judges.
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
