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Courses/Ethics & Professional Responsibility/Legal Ethics

The Fine Print That Bites: Ethics and Risk in Personal Injury Settlement Agreements

Avoid the hidden traps in settlement agreements that can cost you your fees and your client's future.

Created byNYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
BeginnerUpdated Sep 30, 2026
The Fine Print That Bites: Ethics and Risk in Personal Injury Settlement Agreements

What You'll Learn

check_circleIdentify high-risk provisions in personal injury release agreements
check_circleApply ethical rules regarding the management of disputed settlement funds
check_circleAnalyze the impact of public benefit liens on client recovery
check_circleEvaluate the necessity of third-party experts for complex lien resolution

About This Course

The final settlement document can be one of the most consequential—and overlooked—parts of a personal injury case.

This CLE examines ethical and practical risks hidden in settlement agreements, including overly broad releases, indemnification provisions, Medicare and lien compliance obligations, tax allocation issues, and structured settlement considerations.

Participants will learn how to recognize high-risk language and implement strategies that protect both their clients and their practice.

Topics Covered:

  • Ethical duties in settlement negotiations
  • Management of Medicare and Medicaid liens
  • Enforceability of ERISA reimbursement claims
  • Risks of overreaching release provisions
  • Confidentiality and tax implications of settlements
  • Structured settlement planning and compliance
  • Indemnification and hold harmless clauses
  • Conflicts of interest in joint representation

Your Instructors

NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
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The NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers is the largest statewide trial bar in the US with 5,700+ lawyer and judge members. We are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the civil justice system. Our highly acclaimed CLE programming features extraordinary presenters covering the most timely and important topics.

Christina  Sonsire, Esq.
Christina Sonsire, Esq.

Partner at the Ziff Law Firm

Christina Sonsire is a partner at the Ziff Law Firm in Elmira, New York, where she represents plaintiffs in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. Christina currently serves on the Academy's Board of Directors as Vice President for the Third Department. She also sits on the Judicial Screening Committee, responsible for interviewing candidates for the New York State Court of Appeals and making recommendations to the Governor. Christina attended law school at the University of Montana, was an undergraduate soccer star at Georgetown University, and has always been involved with public service.

Paul  Isaac, Esq., ChSNC
Paul Isaac, Esq., ChSNC

Founder and Managing Partner of Paramount Settlement Planning, LLC and Precision Resolution, LLC

Paul Isaac, Esq. is the founder and managing partner of Paramount Settlement Planning, LLC, and Precision Resolution, LLC. He is a past president of the New York Trial Lawyers Association Western Region Affiliate Group and a Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®). A trial attorney and strategic life planner, Mr. Isaac’s years of experience allow him to anticipate a plaintiff’s long-term financial needs. Mr. Isaac has helped several clients obtain large settlements and favorable verdicts. In addition to assisting plaintiffs with settlement strategies for various personal injury lawsuits, Mr. Isaac is experienced in navigating the complexities of cases where Medicaid and future Medicare benefits must be preserved. Mr. Isaac received his undergraduate and law degrees from Duquesne University and is admitted to practice law in New York and Pennsylvania.

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We are a registered provider with 327+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 29 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.

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