Pennsylvania Bar Association Program on New Rules of Professional Conduct & Disciplinary Enforcement

On Wednesday, March 25, 2015 (1:30 to 3:30 p.m.), the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA)’s Elder Law Section is hosting a panel session at the annual PBA Section/Committee Day to discuss important changes in the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct and the Disciplinary Enforcement Rules. 

Several of the recent changes, including rules mandating greater oversight for trust accounts, timelier handling of complaints, and specific new prohibitions or restrictions on attorney involvement in marketing of “investment products,” were a response, at least in part, to serious cases of attorney misconduct resulting in tragic financial losses for individuals.  In some instances the clients were older persons who entrusted large retirement assets to the care of a small number of attorneys. 

In planning the program, Elder Law Section Chair Jacqui Shafer commented that the program reflects the continuing commitment of the Bar and the Section to take affirmative steps to address and prevent misappropriation of funds from any client, including vulnerable seniors and their families.

Panelists include experienced private practitioners in elder law or estate planning practices and representatives of the Disciplinary Board and PBA’s Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibilities Section.  Several participants were members of the Pennsylvania’s recent Supreme Court Elder Law Task Force. 

Here is the link for more details on the program, including the link for required registration (free, including lunch).  The deadline for on-line registration is March 20.