The American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility recently issued Formal Opinion 522, addressing lawyers’ ethical obligations when they possess information that may require a judge’s disqualification. This Opinion provides critical guidance on the intersection of a lawyer’s duty of candor to the tribunal and their duty of confidentiality to their client under the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. 

The United States Constitution stands as a foundational document not only for the nation but also for the legal profession, guiding the interpretation and application of law in courts across the country. In Philadelphia, the U.S. Constitution is not just a piece of legal text but a living symbol of justice and democratic ideals. For legal professionals practicing in and around Philadelphia, the Constitution represents a powerful connection to the origins of American law. Our members share their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on this document that is constantly being analyzed and interpreted. 

We chatted with Christie Jones, executive director of the Philadelphia Bar Association, to discuss the challenges, achievements, and lessons she’s learned since stepping into the role. Her experience offers valuable insight into leadership at a transformative moment. Through this conversation, she shares her perspectives on what it means to her to lead, adapt, and build momentum during that critical first year—laying the groundwork for the Association’s future success. 

One of the most iconic series in television history was a show about nothing. Many of you instantly know what I am talking about, and probably most of you have at least heard of it – Seinfeld. Back in its early days, the show opened with Jerry doing a standup monologue usually beginning with “What’s the deal with…”. 

Like many others this past April, I was completely entranced by the Artemis II space mission. From the time the spacecraft left earth’s atmosphere until the splashdown nine days later, I was spellbound by the astronauts and their journey. That said, it took me a while to figure out why I was so fascinated by this mission. 

As Yogi Berra famously quipped, “It’s like déjà vu all over again.” 

The baseball legend surely never imagined his colorful redundancy would one day capture the professional obligations of lawyers in moments of national crisis. Yet history has a way of repeating itself. In today’s deeply fractured political climate, the pressure placed upon lawyers who represent unpopular clients or causes has become déjà vu all over again – and the Philadelphia bar has seen this moment before. 

For millions across the globe, the pervasive effects of climate change have become an ever-increasing presence. Due to drastic temperature changes and glacial melt, sea levels have risen, causing climate disasters to breach human communities.

In the 1990s, Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson set out to study medical errors in hospitals. She expected to find that the best-performing teams made fewer mistakes. Instead, she discovered the opposite: the highest-performing teams reported more errors, not fewer. 

They were not making more mistakes. Team members felt safe enough to name them. The lower-performing teams looked smoother on paper because everyone stayed quiet. 

It’s a moment lawyers dread. They have filed a Petition to Withdraw, and a hearing is scheduled. The last thing they want to do at the hearing, however, is publicly reveal the reason for their withdrawal. It may be that they weren’t paid, or that the client lied about material facts, or that they determined the case had no merit. In every instance, the goal is not to disclose more than necessary when the presiding judge asks.  

Something came out of the ether, at random, a few nights ago. I am still reacting. Processing. I hope writing brings me some clarity.