On December 14, 2021, partners Charles Davant and David Riskin participated on a CLE panel titled “Challenges Facing a Law Firm's In-House Counsel: Following Ethics Rules While Protecting the Interests of the Firm.”  The panel, hosted by Strafford Webinars, discussed why firms designate in-house ethics counsel, the role of ethics counsel, and ethical issues that arise from consulting with in-house counsel.  The panel also offered best practices for law firms creating and employing in-house ethics advisers.

Charles has substantial experience defending major law firms and accounting firms accused of malpractice or other wrongdoing.  He has advised or defended more than 30 law firms, including seven of the “AmLaw 10,” the highest grossing firms in the United States.  In 2017, he was appointed by the D.C. Court of Appeals to chair its Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, on which he has served since 2011.  Since 2015, he has served as a D.C. Board of Professional Responsibility Hearing Committee member.  He is a member of the firm's Ethics Committee and of the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers.

An experienced commercial litigator at both the trial and appellate levels, David manages complex matters in state and federal courts, with a particular focus on defending professional liability and conflict-of-interests claims against law firms.  He engages all aspects of a matter by developing case themes, building expert strategies, preparing and defending key witnesses, and designing early-stage litigation strategies resulting in pre-trial dismissals and favorable settlements.

Click here to review the CLE.