So, why Ethicking?
Ethicing. That’s a word, right?
It started off, as many things do, as a bit of a joke. A couple of years ago, I checked in on social media to the State Bar Center in Madison, where I was about to give a talk about the ethics of dealing with emotionally charged situations, and I posed that question. And my Facebook friends answered, even though I had (sort of) intended my post to be rhetorical.
It is now.
“Yes! It's like ethicalizing... but with a little more exhaustion mixed in.”
“I’m sure it’s in Black’s.”
“Add a k.”
“Kethicking isn’t a word. I know that much.”
“Ethicking. Dummy.”
Name-calling aside, I was looking for shorthand to describe what it is I do. A big part of my practice at Halling & Cayo involves working with lawyers—I represent attorneys in disciplinary and malpractice proceedings, provide opinions and counseling, and help applicants and suspended lawyers get admitted or reinstated to the Bar. I attend legal ethics conferences--on purpose, nobody makes me—and they are the highlight of my year. In other words, I dwell in the wonky world of Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules (and the ABA Rules from which they originate) and I find it utterly fascinating.
Over the last couple of years, ethicking (with a K) stuck. I’m probably not the first person to use the term but I’ve found it to be all purpose—it’s a noun, it’s a verb, and it’s what I do. I’ve used it as a hashtag for conferences, presentations, and related matters for a while, and I hope to use this space to expand on that. It may be a quick post linking to a disciplinary decision or new State Bar or ABA ethics opinion, but watch for longer pieces, discussion prompts, and general nerdery as well.
A few general caveats: Views are mine, and not necessarily the opinions of Halling & Cayo S.C. None of this is legal advice and none of this is intended to, or does, establish an attorney-client relationship. Comments—whether serious or snarky, agreeing with me or vigorously dissenting—are welcome, but I reserve the right to delete them if they cross the line. See SCR 20:8.4(i)/Model Rule 8.4(g), but even if you’re not a lawyer, no bigotry.
