Our first CLE program—A rave review

On September 19, 2002, the Standing Committee on Government Lawyers sponsored, in conjunction with the ABA's Government & Public Sector Lawyers Division, a continuing legal education program produced by and for government lawyers. Entitled "Ethical Considerations in Public Sector Law," the program consisted of five (very well-acted) scenarios depicting some of the ethical issues that are confronted by public sector attorneys, with each skit followed by a discussion of the ethical dilemma(s) posed and the Rules of Professional Conduct implicated in the conduct of government workers such as "Paul Politico," "Wanda Worcsalot," "Mark DeCode," and "Sam Gumshoe." These roles, and other equally challenging parts, were energetically portrayed by our own Chuck Gunnarson, Kate Kelly, Paul Logli, and Lynn Patton, with the help of two program veterans from the ABA. The ensuing discussions were led by Jim Grogan, Chief Counsel of the ARDC, who prompted the players as well as the audience to explore the ethical problems posed when, for example, a supervisor is more focused on the political realities than the legal arguments raised by a staff attorney.

Recognizing the time constraints and budget realities of the public sector bar, the ISBA offered the program as a "brown bag," extended lunch-hour presentation, at a rate substantially lower than that charged for other CLE programs. Our efforts were rewarded with a turnout of more than 65 government lawyers for this Chicago presentation--a level of interest that may give us the opportunity to plan an encore performance downstate (unless, of course, Broadway beckons). We would love to hear your suggestions for future programs that would be of particular interest to you as a lawyer in government service. Please pass your suggestions along to anyone on our committee.