It's critical to the success of your law firm that you and your staff work well within the parameters of legal ethics in Florida in everything you do. Set an example to your staff by comporting yourself with the highest of ethical standards and make it clear that you expect the highest of Florida professional responsibility from everyone in your employ.

Educate your staff on exactly what the phrase "legal ethics and professional responsibility in Florida" means, not only as a legal definition but to you and your entire practice. Create a specific code of ethics for your office and make sure it's distributed to everyone and discussed frequently; also set up precise procedures for reporting and dealing with violations.

1. Know the legal ethics in FL that apply to you.

2. Educate yourself and your staff on Florida business ethics.

3. Report violations to the Florida board of professional ethics.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Provide access to the ethics laws of Florida

Make access to the code of ethics that govern your office and the legal behavior of yourself and your staff widely available. Post the information in several locations and routinely check to make sure it's updated so everyone can find answers to any ethics questions they may have.

I recommend: The Florida Bar can provide you with all the information you need to ensure you and your staff stay well within the bounds of ethical behavior in the state of Florida. The Florida Commission on Ethics provides clear and concise guidelines to clear up any questions or concerns you may have.

Keep Florida business ethics foremost and meet ongoing education requirements

Keep continuing education a high priority. Schedule seminars for ethical behavior on an annual basis and consider offering other ways to train your staff, including home study programs to allow them to learn at their own pace.

I recommend: The Poe Center for Business provides a variety of educational resources in the category of business ethics in Florida. The University of Miami offers a variety of ethical courses for you and your staff.

Report violations of professional ethics laws of Florida

Know the proper ways to file a request for an ethical inquiry and make sure you follow those guidelines when you make such a request. Keep the appropriate paperwork on hand at all times so anyone in your office can file such a request without having to ask someone else for assistance.

I recommend: The American Bar Association keeps an up-to-date list of state-specific contacts so you can report an ethics violation in the state of Florida. Lawyers.com provides you with the instructions on how to file a complaint for an ethics violation as well as the information on how to contact the appropriate Illinois governing body.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Utilize webinars--seminars that take place online rather than in a classroom--to ensure your staff stays up-to-date with the mandatory credits for legal ethics and professional responsibility in Florida. Such webinars are credited toward continuing education as well.