Challenging clients can test even the most seasoned attorney. When a client is disorganized, overly demanding, or suddenly unresponsive, maintaining professionalism becomes more than a matter of courtesy—it becomes an ethical balancing act.

This CLE program takes a practical look at how lawyers can transform the Rules of Professional Conduct from a checklist of duties into a framework for protection. Focusing on competence, diligence, and the scope of representation, the session illustrates how these core principles can serve as both guidance and armor in difficult client relationships.

Through realistic scenarios and proven approaches, participants will explore ways to set firm engagement terms, communicate expectations clearly, and document interactions to preserve clarity and trust. By treating ethical rules as proactive tools rather than reactive defenses, attorneys will learn how to reduce exposure to complaints, fee disputes, and malpractice risks—while reinforcing the integrity and resilience of their practice.