Annual Pass Exclusive

This Class is Exclusive to Annual Pass Members

This program is only available to myLawCLE All-Access Pass subscribers. Subscribe now to unlock this class along with 1,000+ live webinars for only $395/yr — including 60+ new programs added every month.

Subscribe to All-Access Pass – $395

Understanding the Role of Mediators and Attorneys After ABA Ethics Opinion 518

2026-02-13 13:00:00

1 hours

2026-02-13 13:00:00

1 Credits

ABA Opinion 518 establishes ethical boundaries between mediators and advocates, clarifying when mediator input crosses into forbidden legal advice.

2026-02-13 13:00:00

1 hours

ABA Opinion 518 establishes ethical boundaries between mediators and advocates, clarifying when mediator input crosses into forbidden legal advice.

2026-02-13 13:00:00

1 hours

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

Course Overview

Navigating Mediator-Attorney Ethical Boundaries

Participants will learn to distinguish permissible mediator conduct from impermissible advocacy under ABA Opinion 518. Apply these guidelines to protect client interests and maintain process integrity.

Key topics that will be covered

What will you learn

Attorneys will learn how ABA Formal Opinion 518 establishes ethical boundaries between lawyer-mediators and lawyer-advocates, clarifying permissible strategies versus impermissible manipulations in mediation.

What will you gain

Attorneys will gain practical guidance on navigating mediator's proposals, understanding when direct communication with opposing counsel is necessary, and fulfilling fiduciary obligations to clients.

Role Boundaries
Opinion 518 draws important boundaries between mediator and advocate roles.
Party Self-Determination
Mediation should enable clients to make clear, strong decisions in calm environments.
Mediator’s Proposals
Mediators should consult lawyers on timing and numbers before making proposals.
Best Interest
Only lawyers should advise clients on what is in their best interest.
Truth-Telling Standards
Mediators cannot use puffery allowed to advocates; parties expect neutrality and truthfulness.
Information vs. Advice
Mediators may provide legal information but cannot give legal advice to parties.

What will you learn

Attorneys will learn how ABA Formal Opinion 518 establishes ethical boundaries between lawyer-mediators and lawyer-advocates, clarifying permissible strategies versus impermissible manipulations in mediation.

What will you gain

Attorneys will gain practical guidance on navigating mediator's proposals, understanding when direct communication with opposing counsel is necessary, and fulfilling fiduciary obligations to clients.

Agenda

Session 1

ABA Ethics Opinion 518 Marks New Mediation Era

Session 2

How Opinion 518 Redefines Mediation Participant Roles

Session 3

Attorney's Evolving Role Under New Ethics Guidelines

Session 4

Practical Takeaways for Post-Opinion 518 Practice

clock 1:00 pm - 1:15 pm EST

ABA Ethics Opinion 518 Marks New Mediation Era

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation

This session introduces ABA Formal Opinion 518, issued October 15, 2025, which establishes the first comprehensive ethical framework for lawyer-mediators in many years. Participants will learn why this opinion has been described as ushering in a new age by drawing clear boundaries between the mediator’s role and the attorney-advocate’s role, ultimately serving clients better.

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation

clock 1:15 pm - 1:30 pm EST

How Opinion 518 Redefines Mediation Participant Roles

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation

This session explores the critical distinction between what is ‘in a party’s interest’ versus ‘in their best interest,’ and why mediators should not unilaterally determine settlement numbers. Participants will understand the zone of possible agreement concept and learn why mediator’s proposals should result from consultation with lawyers rather than independent mediator decisions.

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation

clock 1:30 pm - 1:45 pm EST

Attorney's Evolving Role Under New Ethics Guidelines

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation

This session examines how Opinion 518 specifically impacts attorneys serving as advocates in mediation, emphasizing their duty to advise clients on best interests rather than delegating this to mediators. Participants will learn about different truth-telling standards for advocates versus neutrals, and why direct communication with opposing counsel is essential at critical moments.

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation

clock 1:45 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Practical Takeaways for Post-Opinion 518 Practice

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation

This session provides actionable guidance for both mediators and attorneys navigating the new ethical landscape, including high-risk statements to avoid and the crucial distinction between legal information and legal advice. Participants will leave with concrete strategies for supporting party self-determination while staying within their appropriate professional lanes.

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation

01 04
Prev
Next

speakers

Joe Ervin

The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Kevin Foley

Reminger Co
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Grant H. Lawson

The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Joel A. Osman is Partner/General Counsel at Parker Shaffie LLP, concentrating his practice on litigation and trials with a focus on the defense of lawyers and legal ethics.

Professional Involvement

Member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Professional Responsibility and Ethics Committee (chairperson 2008-2009). Served on the State Bar's Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct from 2015 through 2018.

Experience

Prior to joining Parker Shaffie LLP in 2014, Mr. Osman was principal of Osman & Associates in South Pasadena. He previously managed staff counsel to Travelers Indemnity Company, responsible for all aspects of managing its Southern California liability practice, its multi-million-dollar budget and 54 employees. He was formerly a senior partner at Anderson, McPharlin & Conners LLP in Los Angeles, representing clients in professional liability, general liability, product liability, construction defects and commercial litigation, trying numerous jury trials to verdict.

Joel Osman

Parker Shaffie LLP

Joel A. Osman is Partner/General Counsel at Parker Shaffie LLP, concentrating his practice on litigation and trials with a focus on the defense of lawyers and legal ethics.

Professional Involvement

Member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Professional Responsibility and Ethics Committee (chairperson 2008-2009). Served on the State Bar's Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct from 2015 through 2018.

Experience

Prior to joining Parker Shaffie LLP in 2014, Mr. Osman was principal of Osman & Associates in South Pasadena. He previously managed staff counsel to Travelers Indemnity Company, responsible for all aspects of managing its Southern California liability practice, its multi-million-dollar budget and 54 employees. He was formerly a senior partner at Anderson, McPharlin & Conners LLP in Los Angeles, representing clients in professional liability, general liability, product liability, construction defects and commercial litigation, trying numerous jury trials to verdict.

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation

Jeff Kichaven is one of America’s leading mediators with 30 years as a full-time mediator in private practice, following 15 years as a business litigator.

Education & Credentials

Harvard Law School (JD Cum Laude 1980), University of California, Berkeley (AB Economics, Phi Beta Kappa, 1977)

Recognition & Leadership

Ranked in Chambers – Band 1 on the USA Nationwide list of mediators, honored by Lexology (f/k/a Who's Who Legal) as a Global Elite Thought Leader in Mediation, views on mediation cited in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, Elected Member of the American Law Institute.

Professional Involvement

Co-host of The New Possibilities Hour weekly webinar, part of the #WillWorkForFood Project (www.willworkforfood.news), through which audiences have contributed nearly $1,000,000 to support food banks worldwide.

Experience

Full-time mediator in private practice for 30 years, following 15 years as a business litigator. Frequent writer on mediation topics and has trained mediators for the American Bar Association, Harvard Law School, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, and many other bar associations and law schools nationwide.

Plans

Proven CLE solutions for every legal professional

Access type Individual Purchase Basic Premium Most Popular Corporate CLE Plan
Price
$95 – $245
Price varies based
on the course duration
of 1 to 3+ hours
$395/year
One-time purchase
Custom
based on firm size
Access type Pay per class Unlimited annual access Unlimited access for all firm members
Number of Available Webinars 1 1,000+ 1,000+
Number of New Webinars Added Yearly Limited 500+ 500+
Earn "Live" CLE credit Included Included Included
Ability to Ask Questions During
the Presentation via a Chat Box
Included Included Included
Attend "Live" Re-Broadcasts Included Included Included
Exclusive Partner Webinars & Events Included Included
Special credits (Ethics, Elimination
of Bias, etc.)
Included Included
Instant Certificates After Completion Included Included
Personalized CLE Platform Included Included
Live Conferences Included
Bootcamps Included
Individual Purchase
Basic
Premium
Corporate CLE Plan
$95 – $245
Price varies based
on the course duration
of 1 to 3+ hours
Access type Pay per
class
Number of Available Webinars 1
Number of New Webinars Added Yearly Limited
Earn "Live" CLE credit Included
Ability to Ask Questions During
the Presentation via a Chat Box
Included
Attend "Live" Re-Broadcasts Included
Exclusive Partner Webinars & Events
Special credits (Ethics, Elimination
of Bias, etc.)
Instant Certificates After Completion
Personalized CLE Platform
Live Conferences
Bootcamps

Explore Our Featured Programs

Tax strategies for self-employed attorneys covering deductions, S corp structures, and retirement planning to maximize savings legally.

June 19, 2026

3 Hour Program

MCLE Credits

Being an attorney is hard enough without the bookkeeping/IOLTA nonsense. Ready to keep more of what you earn? Whether you’re launching a new law practice or been in your own practice for forty years, this program is your roadmap to slashing your tax bill and building real wealth. Want to write off that second home, or discover how to deduct your vacation? In this dynamic, eye-opening session, civil and criminal tax controversy attorney Eric Green will walk you through often-overlooked strategies to dramatically cut taxes, increase deductions, and protect your law practice from IRS audit adjustments. You’ll walk away armed with actionable insights you can put to work immediately and easily earn back 8-10X what you invested in this seminar!
The program will cover not just how to deduct these expenses but what documentation you need to maintain to make sure you are audit proof if Uncle Sam comes calling!

In this new expanded webinar, Eric and Leighanne will review other benefits like converting your practice to an S Corporation, retirement planning and discuss apps that can help tie all this together and make your record keeping a breeze!

Who Should Attend:

  • Self-Employed Attorneys in a partnership
  • Solo Attorneys running their own firm
  • Any attorney considering opening their own firm

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform the way you think about taxes—and take home the tools you need to save thousands year after year.

Key topics to be discussed:

  • How running a home-based business can open the door to massive deductions
  • The secrets to deducting meals, vacations, and even your kids’ college tuition—legally
  • Audit-proof your tax return and ensure your business isn’t labeled a “hobby” by the IRS
  • How to choose the best business entity (and where to set it up) to maximize tax advantages
  • Why a Subchapter S Corporation could be the golden ticket to saving thousands
  • Unlock the power of home office deductions and car write-offs without triggering red flags
  • How to safely write off a second home and maximize real estate tax savings that most people miss
  • Strategies for supercharging your fringe benefits and saving up to 40% on taxes by turbocharging your retirement savings
  • Critical Apps that can make tracking auto miles and expenses a breeze!

Closed-captioning available

2026-06-19 13:00:00

Learn generative AI fundamentals and build custom GPTs to automate legal workflows—no coding required.

October 30, 2025

2 Hour Program

MCLE Credits

This program begins with the foundations of generative AI, introducing large language models and transformer architecture, then moves into practical applications for legal professionals. Participants will learn how to design and deploy custom GPTs in OpenAI and build agent-based automations in Microsoft Copilot, both of which enable legal teams to streamline repetitive work across transactional matters, litigation management, and broader legal operations. The program also highlights how to use OpenAI projects and Microsoft’s integrated tools to scale and organize AI-driven efficiencies across the legal function.

Key topics to be discussed:

  • Foundations of generative AI
  • Custom GPTs & Copilot agents
  • Scaling with projects & platforms

Date / Time: December 19, 2025

  • 2:00 pm – 4:10 pm Eastern
  • 1:00 pm – 3:10 pm Central
  • 12:00 pm – 2:10 pm Mountain
  • 11:00 am – 1:10 pm Pacific

Closed-captioning available

2025-10-30 14:00:00

Master trust selection and drafting. Learn to structure revocable and irrevocable trusts, navigate Medicaid planning, administer estates confidently, and shield fiduciary clients from liability—immediately applicable to your practice.

June 5, 2026

2 Hour Program

MCLE Credits

Session I – Considerations: Revocable vs. Irrevocable – Georgia Bender

In this session, attorney Georgia Bender will present a brief analysis of the structures and considerations involved in revocable and irrevocable trusts and when each type of trust may be appropriate. Next, Ms. Bender will go into a broad discussion of revocable trusts and the advantages they bring in flexibility of administration, probate avoidance, and estate tax planning. She’ll then review who might be an ideal candidate for this type of trust.

Key topics to be discussed:

  • Revocable vs. irrevocable
    • Flexibility
    • Tax treatment
    • Asset protection
    • Life circumstances
  • Revocable trusts
    • Joint vs. his & hers
    • Income taxes
    • Estate taxes
    • Ideal candidates

Session II – Irrevocable Trusts and Trust Administration – Joseph Donohue

In this session, Attorney Joseph Donohue will review four common types of irrevocable trusts and the contexts in which they are best used. Next, Mr. Donohue will offer some helpful drafting tips for trusts. Lastly, he will dive into topics surrounding trust administration from tax reporting to key phases, avoiding trust contests, and drafting documents to protect your fiduciary clients.

Key topics to be discussed:

  • Common types of irrevocable trusts
    • Medicaid asset protection
    • Spousal lifetime access
    • Irrevocable life insurance
    • Special needs
    • Drafting tips
  • Trust administration
    • Separate EIN needs
    • 4 key phases of trust administration
    • Avoiding trust contests
    • Protecting your fiduciary

Date / Time: December 11, 2025

  • 1:00 pm – 3:10 pm Eastern
  • 12:00 pm – 2:10 pm Central
  • 11:00 am – 1:10 pm Mountain
  • 10:00 am – 12:10 pm Pacific

Closed-captioning available

2026-06-05 14:00:00

FAQ

Get answers before you ask

Are all CLE programs included with an unlimited pass purchase?

Yes — the Basic Unlimited Pass gives members access to all online live, replay, and on-demand CLEs, excluding only the live conferences. With the Premium Unlimited Pass, members receive access to over 11 multi-day live conferences as well.

Yes — myLawCLE is an officially accredited CLE provider and seeks CLE approval in all 50 states. Our live webinars, on-demand programs, and replays meet or exceed state bar requirements, ensuring your CLE credits are fully recognized wherever you practice.

Yes — after completing the CLE webinar, attendees select their state for CLE credit and fill out an online evaluation form. Once submitted, a CLE certificate is emailed to them and uploaded to their dashboard.

Yes — myLawCLE develops CLE programs meeting all required CLE types, including mental health, ethics, professionalism, technology, substance abuse, and elimination of bias.

myLawCLE maintains all CLE programs in its library for 12 months following the original broadcast date. Attendees can access any program that remains available in the system during this period.

Yes — all of myLawCLE’s programs are originally broadcast live, with a chat box available for attendees to submit questions during the webinar. Additionally, replays and on-demand versions offer email correspondence with the presenters for any follow-up questions.

Expand Your Legal Expertise

Expanding practice
Expand your expertise and grow your client reach with new practice areas.
Live conferences
Join live events with top attorneys and real-world case insights.
Live webinars
Attend expert-led sessions in real time and earn accredited CLE credit from anywhere.
Legal Bootcamps
Deep-dive training programs designed to build advanced, practical legal skills fast.
Expanding practice
Expand your expertise and grow your client reach with new practice areas.
Live conferences
Join live events with top attorneys and real-world case insights.
Live webinars
Attend expert-led sessions in real time and earn accredited CLE credit from anywhere.
Legal Bootcamps
Deep-dive training programs designed to build advanced, practical legal skills fast.

MCLE Credits

Alabama
Approved
Alaska
Approved
Arizona
Approved
Arkansas
Approved
California
Approved
Colorado
Pending
Connecticut
Approved
Delaware
Pending
District of Columbia
No Required
Florida
Approved
Georgia
Approved
Hawaii
Approved
Idaho
Approved
Illinois
Approved
Indiana
Pending
Iowa
Approved
Kansas
Approved
Kentucky
Pending
Louisiana
Pending
Maine
Pending
Maryland
No Required
Massachusetts
No Required
Michigan
No Required
Minnesota
Approved
Mississippi
Pending
Missouri
Approved
Montana
Approved
Nebraska
Pending
Nevada
Pending
New Hampshire
Approved
New Jersey
Approved
New Mexico
Approved
New York
Approved
North Carolina
Pending
North Dakota
Approved
Ohio
Approved
Oklahoma
Pending
Oregon
Approved
Pennsylvania
Approved
Rhode Island
Pending
South Carolina
Pending
South Dakota
No Required
Tennessee
Approved
Texas
Approved
Utah
Pending
Vermont
Approved
Virginia
Not Eligible
Washington
Approved
West Virginia
Pending
Wisconsin
Approved
Wyoming
Pending

Alabama

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

  • Attorneys can earn unlimited “live” credit through live seminars, live webcasts, and co-sponsored locations with MyLAWCLE-Alabama approved programs
  • Attorneys are limited to 6 credits per compliance period of “online” programs through MyLAwCLE On-Demand programs