December 20, 2018 – How to Ethically Interact with Government Attorneys and Their Government Clients

December 10, 2018 - CLE

Sponsored by the Government Law Section

Date: December 20, 2018
Time: 12-1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Cost: $30.00
Discounted Price for Government Law Section Members: $15.00 – please contact Marie Ellis at (307) 432-2103 for your discount code. CLICK HERE to join the section.
Credit Approval: 1 CLE Credit including 1 Ethics Credit

The word “Ethics” raises an antennae for most lawyers. Over the past two decades, Rule 4.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct has gained more attention due to the need for lawyers to better understand ethical rules regarding communications with government lawyers and their clients. The ABA has issued a formal opinion on why this rule is important to generally protect represented government entities and staff from unconsented contacts by opposing counsel, with an important exception based on the constitutional right to petition and the derivative public policy of ensuring a citizen’s right of access to government decision makers. This program will identify and attempt to clarify this rule, misunderstandings, practical examples and how this rule applies to elected boards and extends to interactions with government staff, advisory and off-line boards, and any government agency represented by counsel. It will also address ex-parte communication with elected government officials.

Faculty

Audrey Cohen-Davis is currently the Jackson Town Attorney. Audrey has been the Town Attorney for the Town of Jackson, Wy for the past 12 years where she has handled civil and criminal matters on behalf of the Town, has worked under 3 Mayors and several Town Councils. Prior to working at the Town, Audrey was in private practice handling matters in Wyoming, Arizona, Pennsylvania and New York, and is licensed in all 4 states. Audrey handled professional malpractice cases on behalf of lawyers, accountants and construction professionals while at a large law firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after graduating from Temple University Beasley School of law in Philadelphia, PA and receiving her Master of Business Administration degree at the Temple University School of Business. She currently serves as the Chair of the State of Wyoming Local Government Law section, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Teton County Access to Justice Program and is a past-president of the Teton County Bar Association.

Keith Gingery has served as a Deputy County Attorney in Teton County for 16 years. Mr. Gingery is a graduate of Jackson Hole High School, and the University of Wyoming for both undergraduate and law school. Keith Gingery served 10 years in the Wyoming Legislature and served for many years as the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.