Ethics on Frontlines of Environmental Law
PANEL DESCRIPTION
This session explores core principles of legal ethics, including professional responsibility, accountability to clients and the public, and malpractice risks, through the unique lens of environmental practice, where decisions can have far-reaching and irreversible impacts. Ms. Godshall will discuss real-world dilemmas involving conflicts of interest, zealous advocacy versus stewardship of shared resources, and the ethical challenges of representing governments, corporations, communities, and ecosystems alike. With a grounding in professional responsibility and a forward-looking environmental perspective, this session equips attorneys to practice law with integrity while navigating the complex, high-stakes terrain of environmental protection and sustainability.
Key provisions of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct as they apply to environmental law will be discussed, including Rule 1.1 on competence in navigating complex environmental statutes and scientific evidence; Rule 1.3 on diligence in matters where delay can result in lasting environmental harm; Rules 1.7 and 1.8 addressing conflicts of interest that frequently arise among governmental, corporate, and community stakeholders; and Rule 1.6 on confidentiality when client information implicates public health or environmental risks.
Moderated by James Ramsey.
LAUREN GODSHALL, EARTHJUSTICE
Lauren Godshall is a Senior Attorney with Earthjustice’s Gulf Regional Office. Earthjustice is a nonprofit environmental law organization founded in 1971 to act as the legal backbone for the environmental movement. It provides free legal representation to defend natural resources, combat climate change, and enforce environmental laws, operating with over 200 attorneys in 15 offices. The Gulf Regional Office is focused on providing free environmental legal representation and advocacy for communities in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Lauren’s work covers citizens suits and enforcement actions, permit fights and litigation against regulators, and supporting coalitions working to protect air and water laws. Before joining Earthjustice, Lauren taught and practiced at the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic and previously worked in private practice. She’s licensed in Louisiana, Texas, and California.
KAREN McCARDLE, LEXISNEXIS
Karen McCardle is a 2003 graduate of Louisiana State University. She earned her Juris Doctor from LSU Law in 2006. Karen formerly practiced commercial litigation with Gordon Arata in New Orleans. She is the LexisNexis Consultant for Loyola Law School, Tulane Law School, and Jones Walker, an early adopter of LexisNexis Protégé. In the past two years, Karen has presented numerous generative AI and Protégé trainings to doctrinal faculty, library departments, clinical faculty and staff, clinical students, advanced legal research students, and 1L students at Loyola, Tulane, and the University of Arkansas Little Rock law schools. Additionally, she offers training to Jones Walker attorneys, paralegals, and staff in Lexis+ AI and Protégé. Karen is dedicated to educating attorneys and future attorneys on the ethical and responsible use of AI in the legal field.