Ethics Opinion 518

The American Bar Association recently issued Ethics Opinion 518 (“A Lawyer’s Duties to Avoid Misleading Communications When Acting as a Third-Party”), which significantly expands upon its existing guidance on mediator and conciliator ethics. The opinion addresses:

• A neutral’s obligations regarding truthfulness
• The distinction between providing legal advice and legal information
• The extent to which neutrals may (or may not) discuss with the parties what is in their “best interest” regarding settlement 

The Ethics Opinion not only creates potential traps for the unwary but may also influence the interpretation of ethical standards applicable to neutrals who are not lawyers.

This roundtable is intended to foster discussion among participants and to provide an opportunity to stay abreast of important ethical duties. Participants are encouraged to read the ABA’s six-page opinion prior to the roundtable, if possible; it can be found here .

For registration and facilitator information for all sessions, go to: www.MassBar.org/DRSeries.

This webinar is being held by Zoom. Registration for this program is required by Monday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. An email from MassBar Education will be sent before the program.