Ethics

Professional Ethics at Stake: Hong Kong Disbars Activist Lawyer Kevin Yam for Controversial Sanctions Call

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Hong Kong—The Law Society of Hong Kong has clarified that its decision to disallow Kevin Yam, an Australia-based lawyer and prominent activist, from practicing law in the city was not influenced by his political views. Instead, the society emphasized that the ruling stemmed from professional misconduct findings made by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. On Monday, the Law Society defended its stance following the tribunal’s determination that Yam’s actions constituted “grave and serious” misconduct. Charges against him arose after he called on the United States to impose sanctions on judges and prosecutors involved in politically sensitive … Read more

Legal Ethics in Question: ABA Opinion Warns of Risks from Biased Jury Strikes

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Richmond, Va. — Recent opinions from the American Bar Association (ABA) highlight significant ethical concerns surrounding jury selection processes that may exhibit bias. Legal experts emphasize the importance of impartiality in juries, a cornerstone of the justice system intended to ensure fair trials. The ABA’s guidance focuses on the ethical implications of biased juries and the responsibilities of attorneys during jury selection. Lawyers are advised to take proactive measures in identifying and mitigating potential bias to uphold the integrity of the legal process. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of biased juries on verdict … Read more

Craig Brodsky and George Mahaffey Take the Helm as Co-Chairs of Baltimore Bar’s Professional Ethics Committee

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Baltimore, Md. — Attorneys Craig Brodsky and George Mahaffey from the law firm Goodell DeVries have taken on new leadership roles as co-chairs of the Professional Ethics Committee for the Bar Association of Baltimore City. In their new positions, the two will focus on enhancing the Committee’s educational programming, which will cover a range of topics related to legal ethics, and will offer insights on the interpretation and application of Maryland’s professional conduct rules. Brodsky and Mahaffey bring extensive experience in legal ethics to their roles. Both attorneys have represented their peers in matters concerning … Read more

Ethics Showdown: Gadsden County Commissioner Faces Hearing Over Alleged Conflicts in Floral Business Deal

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QUINCY, Fla. — The Florida Commission on Ethics has initiated a public hearing to investigate whether Gadsden County Commissioner Ronterious Green has breached ethics regulations. On Wednesday, the commission announced it found probable cause for a case concerning a “conflicting contractual relationship” involving Green. The inquiry was prompted by an ethics complaint filed in February by former commissioner Sherrie Taylor, who raised concerns regarding Green’s financial dealings with the county. Taylor alleges that in March 2022, Green received $250 from Gadsden County for floral arrangements through his company, The Greenery Floral & Tuxedo Place. Green, … Read more