The Practice of Law and Suicide Prevention: Helping to Preserve Life Under Legal Ethics Rules

The legal profession has strict, largely non-negotiable ethics rules prohibiting a lawyer from disclosing client confidences. But, what if your client (who has every expectation of privacy with you) discloses that he or she is suicidal? Must the lawyer keep all client utterances private at all costs? Or, may the attorney step forward and take measures (including making disclosures) calculated to save the client’s life? Not only has the Model Code of Professional Conduct weighed in on this, but we have done so as well.

There are two crucial aspects to this incredibly important and sensitive topic, the Ethics part, and the Skills part. Once the ethical standards are satisfied, how, as a legal practitioner, should you handle the rest? Learn the skills to be sure-footed when either your client or colleague in the legal profession is suicidal. Discover the legal ethics rules surrounding client suicidal behavior and skill sets for exactly what steps to take.

All lawyers in the legal profession with an interest in navigating the balance of the legal ethic rules with humanity are encouraged to attend this program.