The Minnesota State Bar Association has released the first chapters in a long-awaited treatise by ethics attorney William J. Wernz. Minnesota Legal Ethics, a comprehensive guide to legal ethics in Minnesota, is now available as a free downloadable eBook from the MSBA.
Today's release marks the first portion of what will ultimately be a comprehensive treatise on Minnesota legal ethics, written by Bill Wernz, one of Minnesota's (if not the country's) foremost legal ethics attorneys. It provides in-depth analysis of Minnesota's Rules of Professional Conduct, brought to life by Wernz's own professional experiences, including ethics counsel at Dorsey & Whitney and, prior to that, as an attorney and director of the Minnesota Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility, where he prosecuted attorney discipline cases.
As he writes in the book's introduction:
Minnesota Legal Ethics is the culmination of my life’s work. My practice of law has centered on legal ethics since 1981. Before becoming a lawyer in 1977, I was a professor and student of religious studies and philosophy, including ethics. I have approached legal ethics, especially the Rules of Professional Conduct, from every angle: investigation, prosecution, defense, advice, administration, drafting, writing, and teaching. Writing this treatise is an opportunity to bring together the thoughts and work of a professional lifetime.
Most of the authorities and cases cited in the treatise are hyperlinked, meaning that, with a click, readers can bring up the case being discussed or take a quick look at the rule currently being analyzed.
The first part of the treatise (at more than 375 pages) is available as a free download here. There is no cost for the book, and it is available to anyone who requests it.