Ethics for Insurance Lawyers

Ethical practice is of utmost importance for all lawyers. However, lawyers practicing in areas where they are paid by and owe obligations to insurance companies face unique challenges. This seminar, presented by Rachel Aghassi and Andrew Jones of Furman Kornfeld & Brennan LLP, focuses on common problems faced by insurance lawyers, including consideration of the "tri-partite relationship", and gives practical examples of how to deal with potential conflicts of interest and effectively manage client/carrier relationships. The seminar will review the New York Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC)s again from a practical perspective as a model for other states – since the RPC's provide guidance to defense counsel where a third-party insurer is paying defense counsel's fees.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the nature of the tripartite relationship – i.e. the interplay between the client, the attorney, and the insurer
2. Identify practical examples of how to deal with potential conflicts of interest and effectively manage client/carrier relationships
3. Summarize and understand relevant Rules of Professional Conduct from a practical perspective