We can't end 2020 the way we end most years, with improving office organization and reviewing fee agreements.  Rather, this is a year to end with a focus on being kind to ourselves, setting new types of goals, and thinking about intentionally designing the coming year. In this episode, Megan highlights her article recently published on Attorney at Work on what items should  be on our year-end checklist. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Lawyers Gone Ethical

Wrapping Up 2020 [LGE 134]

Thousands of California online bar exam takers were flagged for review, and an untold number of them have received Chapter 6 notices.  A Chapter 6 notice essentially accuses the applicant of cheating on the exam.  Megan has put together resources to help applicants respond. Resources Mentioned: Dropbox folder I put together with resources Petition to Sign (no monetary donations, please) Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Responding to Chapter 6 Notices: California Bar Exam [LGE 133]

George Psiharis joins Megan to talk about the Clio Legal Trends report for 2020, the ongoing release of new information, and how Covid has impacted this important project. Resources Mentioned: Clio Legal Trends Report Clio Covid Impact Report Guest Info: George on Twitter George on LinkedIn Clio on LinkedIn Clio on Twitter Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Clio's Annual Legal Trends Report with George Psiharis [LGE 132]

Professor Cat Moon teaches a fantastic class at Vanderbilt Law School called Law as a Business.  Megan was honored to be one of the guest speakers recently, and she focused part of her talk on the question, "What is the connection between ethics and the business of law?"  This episode answers that question, focusing in large part on the consequences of making ethical errors and also touching on the good business of being ethical. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

The Intersection of Ethics and the Business of Law [LGE 131]

Professor Cat Moon teaches a fantastic class at Vanderbilt Law School called Law as a Business.  Megan was honored to be one of the guest speakers recently, and she focused part of her talk on the question, "What should young lawyers know about ethics and a successful career?"  This episode answers that question with three specific things Megan thinks are important. 1. Appreciate the importance of the rules 2. Don't assume those above you know more than you do about the ethics rules 3. Just because everyone else is doing it does not mean it is ok Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

3 Things Young Lawyers Should Know about Ethics & Careers [LGE 130]

Screen addiction impacts most of us, and there's little doubt it has a negative impact. Overuse of screens leads to anxiety, depression, decreased productivity, and more.  Its impact is also clear in children. It turns out, it's not entirely our fault that we are so hooked.  Apps accessed on screens give us dopamine hits that keep us coming back for more.  In this episode, Megan talks about how we get hooked on screens and strategizes what we can do about it.  She also shares her recent experience of pulling the plug on the kids cold turkey. Resources Mentioned: Dopamine Detox - video on how to beat screen addiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QiE-M1LrZk http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/dopamine-smartphones-battle-time/ https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/cell-phone-addiction#how-to-break-the-addiction https://www.webwatcher.com/blog/why-are-kids-addicted-to-smartphones-dopamine-surges/ https://www.businessinsider.com/what-your-smartphone-is-doing-to-your-brain-and-it-isnt-good-2018-3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEpogM_fxsQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY2zzN3cTUQ https://vimeo.com/199064418 Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Breaking Screen Addiction For Mental Health [LGE 129]

We know the profession has a mental health crisis.  We have serious concerns about bars asking applicants about their mental health. But do we really understand the position these questions can put an applicant in?   In this episode, Megan discusses and (in a first on this show) reads out loud the US District Court for the Western District of Kentucky's decision in Doe v. Supreme Court of Kentucky.  Doe applied for licensure after seeking mental health treatment, and Kentucky "put her through the ringer", eventually admitting her 994 days after she applied.  Then she sued for how she had been treated - and was dismissed from court, largely on standing grounds.  This episode highlights why all lawyers should care about what is happening int he admissions process, and Megan urges everyone to get involved. Resources Mentioned: Lawyers Gone Ethical with Jordan Couch on the Bar Exam Jordan Couch's analysis of the efficacy of the bar exam Court opinion Article about this case Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Why Admissions Questions on Mental Health Matter to Us All [LGE 128]

 A large number of ethics complaints begin with lawyers taking on more work than they can handle, leading them to miss deadlines, fail to be responsive to clients, and otherwise drop the ball.  A booming business seems like a good thing, but too much of a good thing can cause severe problems.  In this episode, Megan talks long-term solutions like hiring help, and short-term relief measures like pausing ad campaigns, reducing availability for new consultations, and learning to say no. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Slowing Down Incoming Business - Why and How [LGE 127]

A niche, or narrow, law practice might sound risky, but it's actually a fantastic way to build a rewarding practice.  Lyndosha Jamison has created a niche for herself that is exciting professionally and financially successful.  Join Megan as she interviews Lyndosha to learn how.  Lyndosha Jamison and Megan presented at ABA TECHSHOW in Chicago in February 2020 on the topic of building a niche law practice.  The session was so popular it spawned a repeat performance for the ABA's Best of Techshow series, and there is even an upcoming book in the works.  Megan and Lyndosha talk in this episode about the practice Lyndosha built and niche practices generally, dispelling myths stoking the fear of specializing. Guest Info: Lyndosha Jamison's Website Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Building a Niche Law Practice with Lyndosha Jamison [LGE 126]

First, it sounds like the Florida Bar might be listening to this podcast.  (Jut kidding, of course.)  It issued a proposed advisory opinion allowing out of state lawyers to practice remotely from Florida without UPL repercussions.  Read more about solving the "butt in seat" problem here. Second, applicants to the bar who have any criminal history at all are faced with lots of wrinkles in disclosing their conduct to moral character committees.  Megan runs through some scenarios displaying this complexity and gives some guidance on how to handle them.  Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Disclosing Criminal Conduct on Moral Character Applications [LGE 125]

There are lots of reasons for lawyers to move from state to state, but when a bar exam gets in the way, it turns into a real pain.  Whether you're a military spouse, an in-house lawyer, cultivating a Federal practice, or lucky enough to get reciprocity, Megan talks about how you can move and still practice law.  (In this older Attorney at Work article, Megan talked about ways to move without taking an exam.) Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Military Spouses and More: How to Move Without a Bar Exam [LGE 124]

Note:  This is a replay of our most popular episode - Episode 28 Kenneth Lawson went from running a successful practice in Ohio to having his license revoked because of misconduct while addicted to prescription painkillers. He joins us to share his remarkable journey to redemption. Ken Lawson is the Co-Director of the Hawai’i Innocence Project and an Associate Faculty Specialist at the William S. Richardson Law School where he teaches Criminal Procedure, Criminal Law, Professional Responsibility, Evidence, and Hawai’i Innocence Project. What Kenneth Shares in This Episode: His lack of self-esteem as a child, where that stemmed from, and how it affected his beliefs about himself How he became the first African American lawyer at one of the largest firms in Cincinnati Why fear of personal insecurity, failure, economic insecurity, and other fears held him back What finally led him to leave his corporate position to open his own law practice How he acquired Deion Sanders as a client Despite being happier as a solo practitioner, Kenneth still felt like “something was missing” His adoption and how he tracked down his biological mother When he first realized he was addicted and how the addiction escalated What led him to attend his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting How he handled a public disbarment Why going to prison might have been the wakeup call he needed How he secured his current professor position with the University of Hawaii The lesson he has learned about forgiving others and letting go of anger Resources Mentioned: If you’re licensed as an attorney in California and need addiction help and services, here are several resources for you. The Other Bar The Recovery Village Hazelden ABA Lawyer Assistance A resource for rebuilding your finances after rehab ABA Journal article about Kenneth and the road to redemption for disbarred lawyers Guest Info: Klawson3@hawaii.edu Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

From Addiction and Disbarment to Law School Professorship with Kenneth Lawson [LGE 123]

The bar exam has gone from traditional end-of-July ritual to a jungle of uncertainty, constantly changing dates and conditions, and total chaos for everyone who intended to take the exam and start their legal career this summer.  In an episode geared specifically to those in this situation, Megan talks about some strategies for staying in the know without getting overwhelmed, changing career course if needed, and maintaining perspective. Resources Mentioned: July 2020 Bar Exam Status by State Chart California Bar Exam Letter Lawyers Gone Ethical Episode on Diploma Privilege Lawyers Gone Ethical Episode on Taking a Mental Health Day Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Enduring 2020 Bar Exam Uncertainty [LGE 122]

 Many families will have the kids home this fall, whether by choice or school policies. If you're going to be running your law firm from home in the presence of homeschooled kids, Megan has come up with five things you (and she) can do now to prepare for a smoother road and ethical law practice ahead. Schedule (honestly) Get help  Plan breaks Plan your finances Organize space And the 8 year old adds a bonus 6th! Resources Mentioned: Funny video - What day is it? Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

5 Things To Prepare For Running a Law Firm from Home with Kids [LGE 121]

Bar exams are a rite of passage for attorneys graduating from law school and being sworn in to practice law. But what if the bar exam is not feasible, such as during COVID-19? And what if the bar exam has an incredibly racist history that calls it further into question? And what if there is no empirical evidence that the bar exam has any correlation to an individual's ability to effectively practice law?  Jordan Couch is the Chair of the Washington Young Lawyers Committee, and he has been taking up the laboring oar on diploma privilege, gathering data and writing to advocate for more state bars to grant graduates the right to practice.  Jordan sat down with Megan to discuss this pressing issue and its many ramifications. Resources Mentioned: Jordan's letter regarding diploma privilege Article on history of bar exam CA bar statistics with race breakdown Some info from the LSAC bar passage study A more modern article about race and the bar exam More on the history of diploma privilege Guest Info: Jordan Couch on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter Jordan’s Email:  jordan@palacelaw.com Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend. Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions or recommendations for specific resources: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Diploma Privilege in Lieu of Bar Exam in 2020 with Jordan Couch [LGE 120]

How do lawyers function in today’s changing legal market without running afoul of the ethics rules? What must lawyers include in their social media profiles and posts? How technologically competent must a lawyer be? How secure must lawyers keep client data? Can lawyers accept credit cards or cryptocurrency? What should lawyers do if they receive a bar complaint? The business of law is constantly evolving. Staying out of trouble requires that lawyers understand the latest interpretations and applications of the ethics rules. It also requires us to figure out what to do when the rules and modern business and technology are not in sync. Join host Megan Zavieh, state bar defense and ethics attorney, and her guests as they discuss today’s most pressing topics and practical tools to help you navigate the ever-changing ethics landscape.

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Lawyers Gone Ethical

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