This webinar comprises 3 one-hour sessions covering each of the compulsory CPD subjects for lawyers for the CPD year ending 31 March 2024.

Session 1: Ethics

Conflicts of Interest Arising from Past Dealings: Ethics in Commercial Practice

You have previously dealt with a party who now has separate representation. What do you do? This session looks at the best practice ethics response that can arise from past dealings. It includes:

• Conflicts of interest from historical dealings – understanding the risk
• Is it just about loyalty, confidentiality, and the administration of justice?
• Acting against a former client – the enduring duty of loyalty
• Conflicts arising from acting for more than one party
• The question of awareness in managing conflicts of interest
• Understanding the Professional Conduct and Practice Rules
• Referring matters to professional bodies ethics committee
• Maintaining a conflicts register and other key strategies

Session 2: Practice Management & Business Skills

Maximising the Digital Advantage in your Legal Practice

The future is paperless, with the benefits of going digital undeniable. Staying competitive requires being on the cutting edge of technology. This session tells you how:

• Delivering a service and understanding how – developing a digital strategy
• On demand web based software for your legal practice – what to look for
• System solutions - practice management software essentials
• Use of cloud computing – accessibility, security and confidentiality
• Tracking billable hours – the clear digital advantage
• Online research tools for your legal practice
• Documentation automation and artificial intelligence
• The importance of integrated technology
• Case study – cyber and data security in your law practice

Session 3: Professional Skills

Preparing for the New Unfair Contract Terms Reforms

Following on from the previous session, this session is aimed at practitioners who are aware of the new changes to unfair contract terms law in principle but who seek guidance on the practical steps they, and their practice, should now take to maximise compliance and reduce their risks under the new system. In particular, this session will:

• Dive deep into the soon-to-be expanded definition of standard form contracts and workshop examples of clauses and terms that increase compliance with the new laws for both small and large contracts
• Guide competition lawyers through a practical checklist to assist small businesses determine if they will fall under the expanded scope of the new laws
• Breakdown the practical steps businesses should take to maximise their compliance when the new law comes into full force in November 2023