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New ABA model rule – discrimination and harassment will be legal ethics violations

ABA Journal, Lorelei Laird – “The ABA’s Resolution 109 has attracted a lot of controversy outside the organization. The measure makes it a violation of professional responsibility to discriminate or harass in conduct related to the practice of law. It attracted coverage from the New York Times DealBook blog and condemnation from politically conservative attorneys, some of whom sent a letter to ABA House of Delegates Chair Patricia Lee Refo, arguing that the rule harms free speech and religious freedom, and wrote an op-ed in the National Law Journal (sub. req.) insisting that the resolution was driven by “PC politics” rather than professional ability. But at the ABA House of Delegates meeting Monday afternoon, there were no speakers in opposition. And there were so many salmon slips from those wishing to speak in favor—69 altogether—that Refo said she was struggling for a new description of the volume. On a final voice vote, Resolution 109 was not without opposition, but it passed clearly…”

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