Northeastern University School of Law professor David Hall will lead the first half of this year’s Bench/Bar CLE program, exploring the intersections of spirituality, ethical responsibility and the practice of law. Tennessee, like all states, has adopted the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Every lawyer in the state has mastered these rules intellectually or they would not have successfully completed law school or have been admitted to practice. Yet, each year numerous lawyers are disciplined for violating various aspects of the Model Rules. This is due in part to the fact that the Model Rules only serve as a "floor" in regards to the construction and maintenance of ethical behavior within the profession. This program will explore the other dimension of human development that are needed for lawyers and judges to develop and maintain a secure ethical foundation. Though spirituality is a controversial and often misunderstood concept, this program explores the fundamental role it plays in the development of ethical behavior. Issues of civility, depression, alcoholism and other crises facing the profession will be explored and viable solutions offered. 

Dr. Steve Joiner, associate director of Lipscomb University's Institute for Conflict Management, will guide lawyers young and old through an analysis of how generations perceive each other and how they can successfully work together.

Joiner, who has extensive experience conducting management and staff trainings, will also focus on cultural differences that affect attorneys and firms while providing opportunity to use these differences for the enhancement of the attorneys and firms.  Finally, he will offer design systems that will promote productivity and harmony among colleagues of various ages.