Retired Minnesota judge Timothy J. Baland will conduct two ISBA Masters Series seminars titled “Ethics, Professionalism and Diversity Through the Lens of Literature” on Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, in the Chicago Regional Office.

Currently an international judge for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, Baland has facilitated dozens of similar programs for judges, lawyers, doctors, architects, corrections personnel and court administrators. 

A state court judge for 22 years, he facilitates interactive sessions in which participants discuss legal practice and professional responsibility issues, with emphasis on difficult moral and ethical choices.

Registrants will be given three short fiction stories and asked to read them prior to the program. Then Baland will pose thought-provoking questions from the hypothetical scenarios, and will let participants share experiences and ideas on the themes of the stories.

Since the sessions thrive on participant interaction, no two are ever the same. The stories and discussions are designed to provide participants with an enhanced understanding and appreciation of:

• The degree to which law firm or organizational culture, or the example set by a senior partner, influences the ethicality of attorney conduct.
• How pride and ambition influence our work and the advice we give.
• Whether the practice of law is just a business or still a profession.
• When do we go our own way, when do we bow to the judgment of others?

Participants can consider a number of topics on the ethicality of attorney advice and behavior, including the following.

Reputation: Whose opinion of us matters most? Who or what do we ultimately serve? What price do we pay for professional success? To what are we dedicated?

At the conclusion of each day’s literature discussion, Baland will give an optional 30-minute presentation about his experiences as an international judge in Kosovo. He will describe some of the cases he has handled and share some lessons that can be learned from his experience.

The schedule of topics on Thursday, May 1, follows. The focus is on diversity and ethics.

1 p.m. - Discussion of “Garden of North American Martyrs” by Tobias Wolff.

2:30 p.m. - Discussion of “Change” by Stuart Massad.

4 p.m. - Discussion of “Senior Partner’s Ethics” by Louis Auchincloss.

5:30 p.m. - Presentation on Baland’s Kosovo experience (attendance optional).

The schedule of topics on Friday, May 2, follows. The focus is on professionalism and ethics.

9 a.m. - Discussion of “Senior Partner’s Ethics” by Louis Auchincloss.

10:45 a.m. - Discussion of “Congressman Who Loved Flaubert” by Ward Just.

12:15 p.m. - Luncheon break.

1 p.m. - Discussion of “Change” by Stuart Massad.

2:30 p.m. - Presentation on Baland’s Kosovo experience (attendance optional).

Each program is accredited for 4 hours of MCLE, including 4 hours of Professionalism MCLE.

Seating is limited, so early registration is suggested. Call (800) 252-8908.