Stand Up CLE: Totally Unethical Conduct in 80's TV (Part 2)

We all know that CLE programs are boring and a chore to watch. But we’re breaking the rules— a CLE program that’s intentionally funny and (gasp) entertaining, yet somehow still informative. In part two of this program, actor, writer, producer, and recovering lawyer, Mark Wooster jumps back into the DeLorean he turned into a time machine and sets the dial back 40 years to expose even more “totally unethical” conduct by lawyers in classic 80s TV series. Reserve your seat today and we’ll waive the two-drink minimum!

We'll dive into:

• Falsified testimony and a lawyer's duty of candor to the tribunal, comparing 1980s California rules with current ABA Model Rules to understand how radically the ethical landscape has shifted.
• Fraudulent conveyance schemes, asset protection, and misconduct under various ethical codes, including ABA Model Rule 8.4 and California Business Professions Code sections.
• Illegal and unethical tactics, such as kidnapping and assault, even when employed for seemingly noble causes, highlighting the strict boundaries of legal advocacy.
• Judicial misconduct, including conflicts of interest and ex parte communications, as a murderous judge attempts to preside over his own crime, examining ABA Model Rule of Judicial Conduct 2.11.
• Witness tampering and the fine line between investigative subterfuge and unethical persuasion, evaluating situations where lawyers and their proxies engage in questionable tactics to uncover the truth.

By dissecting these memorable TV plots, you'll gain practical insights into the enduring principles of legal ethics, understand the evolution of professional conduct rules, and appreciate the potential pitfalls of practicing law when personal interests or moral crusades overshadow professional obligations. This installment promises to be as thought-provoking as it is amusing, ensuring you leave with a refreshed perspective on ethical practice—and perhaps a new appreciation for modern legal standards.