Rule 8.4(g) and Free Speech
WHEN
Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
DETAILS
In June 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court adopted Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(g), which prohibits knowingly manifesting bias or prejudice, or engaging in harassment or discrimination directed to persons in a number of protected categories. A Philadelphia attorney filed a subsequent federal court challenge to the Rule, contending that it will chill his speech as a lawyer advocating on behalf of student and faculty due process and free speech rights. This Zoom-virtual ethics CLE will explore the scope and application of Rule 8.4(g), and the First Amendment challenge, and discuss the potential ramifications and reach of the Rule.
MODERATORS
- Natalie Klyashtorny, Esquire
- Felix Yelin, Esquire
PANELISTS
- Jennifer Coatsworth, Esquire
- Zachary Greenberg, Esquire (the plaintiff attorney who filed the challenge)
- David Marion, Esquire
- Thomas Wilkinson, Jr., Esquire
CLE
Participants may earn 1.0 ethics continuing legal education credits for this program.
PROGRAM MATERIALS
- New York Times Co. v. Sullivan
- Phila. Newspapers v. Hepps
- Greenberg Complaint
- ABA MODEL RULE 8.4(G) IN THE STATES
- AMENDMENT OF RULE 8.4 OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
- Pennsylvania Adopts Variant of ABA Model Rule 8.4(g)
- In Support of Pennsylvania Adopting Model Rule 8.4(g)
- Lawyer Sues Penn. Ethics Authorities Over Anti-Bias Rule, Bloomberg Law