Parton Law Presents CLE Seminar on Trial Publicity, Ethics, and Media Strategy Under Rule 3.6
On December 10, Parton Law presented a continuing legal education (CLE) seminar for fellow attorneys titled “Trial Publicity and Ethics: Navigating Media Inquiries Under Rule 3.6.” The program underscored the firm’s commitment to thought leadership in:
- Business litigation
- Professional ethics
- Strategic communication
Hosted by the Mecklenburg Bar Association, the one-hour CLE remains available on demand and supports ongoing legal education for attorneys across Charlotte and North Carolina.
Thought Leadership in Business Litigation and Legal Ethics
The seminar was led by Managing Partner Corey Parton, Associate Attorney Brian North, and Strategic Communication Advisor Darla Torres. Together, they provided practical guidance on how attorneys can balance zealous client advocacy with their ethical responsibility to protect the integrity of the judicial process.
A central focus of the discussion was North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3.6, which governs trial publicity and limits extrajudicial statements that could materially prejudice a legal proceeding.
Navigating Media Pressure in a 24-Hour News Cycle
North opened the seminar by addressing the increasing challenges attorneys face in today’s fast-moving media environment:
“In a world of 24-hour news cycles, social media sound bites, and instant public commentary, attorneys face increasing pressure to respond quickly — and strategically — when the media calls. A single statement can shape public perception, influence potential jurors, or even impact the fairness of a proceeding.”
This reality, the presenters noted, makes a clear understanding of Rule 3.6 more critical than ever for litigators.
Real-World Scenarios and Practical Guidance
Throughout the CLE, presenters walked attendees through real-world scenarios, including:
- Responding when a client wants to issue a highly charged public statement
- Handling media inquiries after opposing parties release misleading or inflammatory information
- Managing social media activity during active litigation
Each scenario emphasized the importance of applying a consistent ethical framework when communicating publicly during litigation.
The Importance of Rule 3.6 for Litigation Attorneys
Parton reinforced why Rule 3.6 is especially relevant for attorneys practicing business and complex litigation in Charlotte and beyond:
“There is a delicate balance between free speech and professional ethics when interacting with the media. It’s critical to rely on the analytical framework provided by Rule 3.6 and ensure the intent of your communication aligns with ethical standards. In most instances, that framework will guide you toward the most appropriate and effective response.”
Key Topics Covered in the CLE Seminar
The webinar equipped attorneys with actionable tools to communicate confidently with the media while remaining ethically compliant. Key topics included:
- The scope and purpose of Rule 3.6 of the NC Rules of Professional Conduct
- What constitutes impermissible trial publicity
- Statements likely to materially prejudice a proceeding
- Best practices for media engagement, public statements, and social media use during litigation
By presenting this CLE, Parton Law continues to support the legal community through education, ethical guidance, and strategic insight. The firm remains dedicated to helping attorneys navigate complex litigation issues while upholding the highest professional standards.
CLE Availability
This seminar is now available as an on-demand CLE through the Mecklenburg County Bar for attorneys seeking Continuing Legal Education credits.
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