When Lawyers Protest: Professional Responsibility and Ethics

Lawyers are increasingly visible in moments of public protest, civic action, and political expression. Join law professor and ethics expert Renee Knake Jefferson for a timely and practical examination of how professional responsibility rules apply when lawyers engage in protest and other forms of public participation. This program goes beyond the question of whether lawyers may protest to explore what the legal profession owes to the public when its members do. Drawing on recent, real-world examples, the ABA Model Rules, disciplinary cases, and emerging scholarship, the session will examine how ethical duties related to professionalism, public confidence in the justice system, and lawyer conduct intersect with civic engagement. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of where ethical boundaries lie, how those boundaries are shifting, and how to navigate public action without jeopardizing professional standing or public trust.