Amanda Leon Addresses Ethical Issues at IFA USA Branch Annual Conference

In 2022, two core ethics issues, the availability of attorney-client privilege protection and the significance of practice limitations, demand a fresh look. The 9th Circuit rejected assertions of privilege by an international tax law firm regarding attorney-client communications involving legal and nonlegal advice. What could the court's ruling, which is now on appeal to the Supreme Court, mean for attorney-client relations? Are other protections available? How can lawyers best protect their clients going forward -- and what additional concerns arise cross-border?

Also new in 2022 is the permanency of long-term hybrid and remote work. What initially emerged as a temporary pandemic response has become a workplace commitment in many firms. Now these firms need to take a careful look at practice of law limitations, in the US and beyond.