Issues such as how properly to make fee agreements with clients to ways to cooperate with the disciplinary system were among the topics lawyers and others discussed at the annual Miller-Becker Seminar that focuses on professional responsibility and ethical conduct.

The event is sponsored by the Ohio Supreme Court’s Board of Professional Conduct, The University of Akron School of Law Miller-Becker Center for Professional Responsibility, and the Ohio State Bar Association. Sessions such as “tips, trends and updates” and gauging the cooperation of attorneys drawn into the disciplinary process were conducted at the Ohio State Bar Association on Oct. 23.

Fee agreements were discussed in a separate session that included the impact of the Supreme Court’s September 2015 Mahoning Cty. Bar Assn. v. Bauer opinion.  In that case, a lawyer was disciplined for suing another lawyer in common pleas court over a fee splitting matter rather than trying to settle the case through mandatory mediation or arbitration. Not only did the attorney lose the lawsuit, but he received a public reprimand.

Attendees also heard from a panel of lawyers who represent colleagues charged with professional misconduct. The panel provided insight regarding the unique issues presented by having a client who is also a lawyer.

The seminar wrapped up with an overview of the disciplinary process provided by Office Disciplinary Counsel and the director of the Board of Professional Conduct.