Category: Akron Law Events

Attention students – it is not too late to register to attend the Miller-Becker Center for Professional Responsibility Symposium tomorrow and Friday. Although free to attend, registration is still required. This symposium will address the ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20 and how it has undertaken a comprehensive review of the profession’s current ethics rules in light of major changes to the practice of law, including new technologies and the globalization of the delivery of legal services. Complete program details and registration information here .

Former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro, and Nancy Petro, to hold lecture on how the innocent are convicted on Thursday, March 14 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. in Room 151. Jim and Nancy, authors of the book “False Justice – Eight Myths That Convic…t the Innocent,” examines the flaws in America’s justice system. A reception and book signing will immediately follow the lecture. This lecture is free and open to the public, and registration is not required. More information here .

Join Dean Jordan and Professor Cook today at 12:20 p.m. in the law school atrium for the weekly Have Your Say forum. This week’s topic is “What’s Your View of the State of Our Union?” Hope to see you there!

On Nov. 9, Bruce Green, Oppenheim Professor of Antitrust and Trade Regulation Law at Fordham Law School, will speak at Akron Law as a part of the Joseph G. Miller and William C. Becker Center for Professional Responsibility’s annual Distinguished Lecturer Series. One hour of free CLE credit will be offered.

The U.S. legal profession often speaks of lawyers’ “professional independence,” but it uses the term in different ways depending on the context. Sometimes “professional independence” refers to the freedom of the organized bar, in collaboration with state judiciaries, to make rules for lawyers without interference by government agencies or other state actors. Sometimes the term refers to individual lawyers’ independence – whether from third parties who threaten to interfere with lawyers’ loyalty to their clients or from clients who demand too much loyalty. Professor Green explored whether the bar overemphasizes these aspects of “professional independence” while overlooking and undervaluing another, namely, lawyers’ independence from judges and courts. 

“Professor Bruce Green is an internationally renowned scholar and leader in the professional responsibility field,” says Professor Jack Sahl, Faculty Director of the Miller-Becker Center. “Bruce’s many accomplishments underscore his tireless commitment to improving the delivery of legal services and increasing access to justice. What is not readily apparent from his many accomplishments is Bruce’s extraordinary support for others whether as a mentor to a junior colleague or just letting you know he’s thinking of you at an important moment. He is truly a lawyer statesman who will inspire others during his visit.”  Continue reading “”