Legal Aid and What Lies Ahead; CAS Implications for Criminal Lawyers

This discussion will be about the next steps for the Legal Aid certificate program. It is anticipated that the following issues related to professional development will be discussed:

• Client services: making legal services available to the public and other related access to justice issues
• Best practices for retainer agreements, engagement letters and non-engagement letters
• Practice management: complying with LAO provisions and procedures, and meeting financial obligations to third parties.

CAS Implications for Criminal Lawyers

This panel will discuss the implications for criminal lawyers who deal with CAS matters. Specifically it will discuss when matter an outcome in a criminal trial may have implications that impact the client’s interest in other realms. These parallel proceedings occur frequently where the legal interests of the client are beyond the criminal trial. The panel will speak to the substantive law associated with these is-sues and will also relate to matters of competency and relationships with other lawyers. Topics of professionalism that will be covered include:

• Encouraging respect for legal institutions or authorities
• Duty to other lawyers to be courteous, civil and act in good faith with other lawyers in other professions.
• Discussions on making legal services available and access to justice issues
• Effective client management regarding their expectations
• Recognizing and being sensitive to clients’ circumstances, etc.
• Best practices for retainer agreements, engagement letters and non-engagement letter