Nicole Hyland

Nicole Hyland is a partner in the Litigation Group and Professional Responsibility Group at Frankfurt Kurnit, as well as Deputy General Counsel for the firm. Her practice focuses primarily on legal ethics, professional responsibility, and legal malpractice. She is recognized by Best Lawyers in America in the 2024-2025 editions for Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants and has been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers magazine for ten consecutive years. 

Ms. Hyland counsels attorneys and law firms on a wide range of issues, such as conflicts of interest, legal fee disputes, escrow issues, disqualification motions, multijurisdictional law practice, business transactions with clients, lateral transitions, law firm formation and break-ups, advertising and social media use, and other professional responsibility issues. Ms. Hyland also represents defendants and plaintiffs in legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty disputes and acts as an expert witness on a variety of ethics and legal malpractice issues.

In addition to her legal ethics and professional responsibility practice, Ms. Hyland has an active litigation practice. She handles commercial litigation as well as disputes within the entertainment industry, such as intellectual property claims and disputes over financing, production, distribution, and talent agreements.

Since 2008, Ms. Hyland has been a member of the Association of Professional Responsibility lawyers (APRL), a national organization of ethics and professional responsibility lawyers. She is chair of the Professional Ethics Committee of the New York Women’s Bar Association.

Ms. Hyland is a past Chair of the Committee on Professional Ethics of the New York City Bar Association, which provides guidance to New York state lawyers on a wide range of ethical issues, issues formal and informal written opinions, and operates the Ethics Hotline, a free resource for all New York state attorneys. After her tenure as Chair ended, she joined the Committee’s hotline advisory board, which provides guidance to the City Bar’s ethics hotline.

Ms. Hyland writes and lectures frequently on legal ethics and professional responsibility issues. She assisted Professor Roy Simon in editing and co-authoring multiple editions of his seminal treatise: Simon’s New York Rules of Professional Conduct Annotated.

Ms. Hyland is admitted to practice in New York.

awards & recognition

2024 - 2025 Best Lawyers in America for Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants

2014 - 2023 New York-area Super Lawyer in Professional Liability

2015 Corporate LiveWire Global Award in Professional Negligence – New York, USA.

2013 New York-area "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers magazine

education

Fordham University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, Order of the Coif, honors, 2002)

  -Notes and Articles Editor on the Fordham Law Review

Columbia University (B.A., 1990)

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

Past Speaking Engagements

Frankfurt Kurnit’s 2023 Litigation Ethics Summit

Join us in person at our New York City office for our Litigation Ethics Summit -- a complimentary CLE event on current hot topics in ethics and professional responsibility. Read more.

May 11 2023

Lawyers Behaving Badly: Sanctions, Suspensions and General Shenanigans

Nicole Hyland moderates and Khasim Lockhart is a panelist during the New York Women’s Bar Association ethics CLE, “Lawyers Behaving Badly: Sanctions, Suspensions and General Shenanigans.” Details here.

April 25 2023

Hot Topics and Current Developments in Ethics

Nicole Hyland presents, “Hot Topics and Current Developments in Ethics” during a webinar for the New York Women’s Bar Association. Read more.

April 26 2022

Legal Ethics of Harassment and Discrimination: Attorney Conduct Inside and Outside the Courtroom

Nicole Hyland presents, "Legal Ethics of Harassment and Discrimination: Attorney Conduct Inside and Outside the Courtroom" during a webinar for the New York Women's Bar Association.

April 20 2021

Frankfurt Kurnit’s Third Annual Litigation Ethics Summit Webinar

Frankfurt Kurnit is hosting its Third Annual Litigation Ethics Summit -- a complimentary CLE for corporate counsel, law firm general counsel, partners with responsibility for law firm compliance and risk management, and other lawyers with interest in professional responsibility issues. Read more.

November 13 2020

California Lawyers Association: Shelter In Place Institute

Edward Rosenthal, Nicole Hyland and Tyler Maulsby present "Copyright Trolls & Ethics: A Case Study on Richard Liebowitz" during the California Lawyers Association section on Intellectual Property Law's Shelter In Place Institute. More information here.

November 10 2020

Attorney Impairment and Substance Use in the US Legal Profession

Gregory Boyd and Nicole Hyland present "Attorney Impairment and Substance Use in the US Legal Profession" a CLE for the Video Game Bar Association focusing on substance use and mental health issues among US attorneys. The presentation addresses the ethical risks that impaired lawyers may pose to themselves and the law firms that employ them, and offers support options for impaired attorneys. Friends of Frankfurt Kurnit may register here.

June 11 2020

Practicing Law in a Pandemic: Remote Lawyering in the Age of COVID-19

Nicole Hyland and Tyler Maulsby present "Practicing Law in a Pandemic: Remote Lawyering in the Age of COVID-19" during a webinar for the New York Women's Bar Association. 

April 21 2020

Practicing Law in a Pandemic: The Ethical Issues with Remote Lawyers in the Age of COVID-19

Nicole Hyland and Tyler Maulsby present "Practicing Law in a Pandemic: The Ethical Issues with Remote Lawyers in the Age of COVID-19" during a webinar for the New York City Bar Association.

April 17 2020

Practicing Law in a Pandemic: Remote Lawyering in the Age of COVID-19 PART II

The legal industry has dramatically changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. More and more law firms across the country (and the world) are instructing attorneys and staff to work from home. For many, this is a significant change from what daily practice used to look like and lawyers are being asked to quickly adapt. But as we move to remote work platforms, the risk of mishandling confidential information and violating important duties to clients increases. How do you manage the risks to you, your firm and your client while also keeping up with the latest rules and opinions? Also, if you are tasked with managing your firm through this crisis, what immediate and long term steps should you be taking? Join us online for Part II of our Practicing Law in a Pandemic series. Read more.

March 31 2020

Practicing Law in a Pandemic: Remote Lawyering in the Age of COVID-19 PART I

Join us online as two of New York’s leading ethics lawyers team up with an accomplished privacy law practitioner to spot the issues and suggest solutions for both private lawyers and in-house counsel who are adapting to working from home. You’ll receive valuable tips to share with your legal colleagues, IT and other staff—to reduce the risks as you navigate this uncertain time. Read more.

March 27 2020

Frankfurt Kurnit’s Second Annual Litigation Ethics Summit

Frankfurt Kurnit hosts its Second Annual Litigation Ethics Summit -- a complimentary CLE for corporate counsel, law firm general counsel, partners with responsibility for law firm compliance and risk management, and other lawyers with interest in professional responsibility issues. Read more.

October 24 2019

PLI’s Environmental Regulation 2019

Nicole Hyland presents on legal ethics during the Practising Law Institute's "Environmental Regulation 2019: Hot Topics, Regulatory Developments, and Practical Guidance for Corporate Compliance" program in New York.

September 27 2019

7th Annual VGBA Summit on Game Law & Business

Nicole Hyland presents “Don’t Try This at Home: The Questionable Ethics of Better Call Saul” during the Video Game Bar Association Summit at UCLA School of Law.

May 20 2019

Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls in a Complicated Business Environment

Nicole Hyland speaks on “Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls in a Complicated Business Environment” during a panel discussion at Cardozo School of Law.

February 27 2019

New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting 2019

Ronald C. Minkoff and Nicole Hyland present “The Wheel of Fortune: Hot Topics in Ethics for Entertainment Lawyers” for the Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section of the New York State Bar Association.

January 15 2019

Frankfurt Kurnit’s Litigation Ethics Summit

Nicole Hyland moderates “Hot Topics in Litigation Ethics” during our second annual Litigation Ethics Summit.

October 25 2018

Success and Ethics on the Internet Today

Nicole Hyland is a panelist during the program “Success and Ethics on the Internet Today” at the New York County Lawyers Association of New York. 

October 4 2018

The Ethics of Law Firm Collaboration

Nicole Hyland presents “The Ethics of Law Firm Collaboration” for a CLE program sponsored by New York Women’s Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm Committee and Women Owned Law. June 6 2019. More information here. 

June 6 2018

ABA National Conference on Professional Responsibility

Nicole Hyland speaks on the panel "Lies, Damned Lies and 'Alternative Facts'" at the American Bar Association's National Conference on Professional Responsibility in Kentucky.

May 31 2018

VGBA Summit 2018

Nicole Hyland presents “Don't Try This at Home: The Questionable Ethics of Better Call Saul” during the annual Video Game Bar Association Summit at UCLA Law School.

May 14 2018

9th Annual Bay Area General Counsel Roundtable

Nicole Hyland presents “Role of the General Counsel in Managing Succession Planning” during the Firm General Counsel Roundtable meeting in Palo Alto California.

May 8 2018

Lights! Camera! Ethics! Why Your Favorite Movie Lawyers May Need an Ethics Lawyer

Nicole Hyland and Tyler Maulsby present the CLE "Lights! Camera! Ethics! Why your favorite movie lawyers may need an ethics lawyer" for the New York Women’s Bar Association. 

April 26 2018

PLI’s TechLaw Institute 2018: The Digital Evolution

Nicole Hyland presents "Evolving Legal Ethics: Portable Devices, the Cloud, and Social Media" for PLI's TechLaw Institute 2018: The Digital Evolution.

March 28 2018

Ethical Pitfalls and Pratfalls in Corporate Representations

Nicole Hyland is on the panel "Ethical Pitfalls and Pratfalls in Corporate Representations: Conflicts, Waivers, and Common Interest and Joint Defense Agreements" at Cardozo School of Law.

February 8 2018

Nicole Hyland at APRL Mid-Year Meeting

Nicole Hyland moderates "Making Ends Meet in the New Economy" at the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers mid-year meeting in Vancouver, BC.

February 1 2018

Litigation Affinity Group Launch Event

Nicole Hyland presents the ethics CLE "Lies. Damn Lies. And Alternative Facts" with Professor Bruce Green at Fordham Law's Litigation Affinity Group Launch Event. More information can be found here. 

November 16 2017

NYSBA: Elder Law and Special Needs Section

Nicole Hyland speaks on "Ethics for Elder Care Lawyers" at the New York State Bar Association's fall meeting in Tarrytown, New York.

October 27 2017

State Bar of Texas: Annual Meeting 2017

Nicole Hyland presents "Lawyers in Pop Culture: The Ethics of ‘Better Call Saul’" for the State Bar of Texas' Annual Meeting. 

June 22 2017

NYCLA: Law Firm Website Compliance

Nicole Hyland is part of a NYCLA panel where she speaks on law firm website ethics rules compliance. 

April 20 2017

26th Annual Entertainment Law Institute

Nicole Hyland presents the CLE program "Don’t Try This at Home: The Questionable Ethics of Better Call Saul” in Austin Texas.

November 4 2016

Texas Bar CLE: Entertainment Law Institute

Nicole Hyland presents "Don't Try This At Home: The Questionable Ethics of Better Call Saul" for the Texas Bar CLE's Entertainment Law Institute.

November 3 2016

The Ethics of Enforcing Your Copyright

Nicole Hyland moderates The Copyright Society of the USA's panel, "The Ethics of Enforcing Your Copyright" at the Princeton Club.

October 14 2016

MLRC Conference 2016

Nicole Hyland presents a social media ethics panel on "Lawyer blogs: lawyering or advertising?" at the MLRC Conference in Reston, Virginia.  

September 23 2016

2016 International Legal Ethics Conference

Nicole Hyland speaks on a panel called, "Good TV, Bad Ethics: Legal Ethics in Contemporary Popular Culture." Program venue: Fordham University School of Law (July 16).

July 14 2016

Ethics for Corporate Counsel 101: A New Paradigm

Nicole Hyland speaks on "Ethics for Corporate Counsel 101: A New Paradigm” at Georgetown Law Center in DC, hosted by the International Association of Defense Counsel and the Georgetown Law Center.

June 16 2016

42nd National Conference on Professional Responsibility

Nicole Hyland moderates a panel on the "The Ethics of Advising Clients on Social Media" and Ron Minkoff  speaks on the panel "Ethics Issues Regarding Client-Requested Retainer Provisions" at the National Conference on Professional Responsibility for the American Bar Association in Philadelphia.

June 3 2016

Fordham 2016 Bridge the Gap

Nicole Hyland presents "Don’t Try This at Home: the Ethics of Better Call Saul" at Fordham's Bridge the Gap program.

May 14 2016

Don’t Try This at Home: The Questionable Ethics of Better Call Saul

Nicole Hyland presents the CLE "Don’t Try This at Home: The Questionable Ethics of Better Call Saul" for the NYWBA. 

April 20 2016

APRL’s 7th International Professional Responsibility Conference

Nicole Hyland and Ron Minkoff speak at the 7th International Professional Responsibility Conference for the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (APRL) on "Ethics and Risk Implications of Cloud Computing and Data Privacy" and "Legal Malpractice in International Business Transactions." The event takes place in Paris.

April 13 2016

Current Issues in Corporate Representation: Protecting the Attorney-Client Relationship

Nicole Hyland speaks on "Current Issues in Corporate Representation: Protecting the Attorney-Client Relationship" for a Fordham Law School Ethics CLE. 

February 19 2016

Don’t Try This at Home: the Questionable Ethics of “Better Call Saul”

Nicole Hyland uses the hit TV show ‘Better Call Saul’ as a jumping off point to discuss a range of challenging ethical issues.  Based on her popular Tumblr blog “The Legal Ethics of Better Call Saul.” Program Venue: Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

October 30 2015

Twitter is What Birds Do

Nicole Hyland presents 'Twitter is What Birds Do: Social Media Issues for Lawyers' for the Aon Law Firm Symposium in Phoenix. 

October 15 2015

The 2015 Ethics Game Show

Nicole Hyland speaks at a CLE Program entitled "Ethics Game Show," a quiz-show style program where audience members guess the tricky answers to ethical questions. Program venue: Practising Law Institute, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York.

July 27 2015

Twitter: Best Practices & Attorney Advertising Ethics

Nicole Hyland hosts "Twitter: Best Practices & Attorney Advertising Ethics," a New York Women's Bar Association presentation, as part of an ongoing series on social media marketing for lawyers, at 6PM. Program venue: Frankfurt Kurnit, Boardroom.

June 11 2015

LinkedIn: Best Practices & Attorney Advertising Ethics

Nicole Hyland hosts "LinkedIn: Best Practices & Attorney Advertising Ethics," a New York Women's Bar Association presentation as part of an ongoing series on social media marketing for lawyers. Read more.

May 12 2015

Conflicts of Interest: Managing Conflicts and Avoiding the Dreaded Disqualification Motion

Nicole Hyland moderates a panel co-sponsored by the New York Women’s Bar Association and Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.

April 22 2015

Current Ethical Issues in Corporate Representation

Nicole Hyland speaks on a panel hosted by Cardozo Law School and Fordham University School of Law. The program covers: Attorney-Client Privilege in the Corporate Context, Ethical Obligations Upon Receiving Inadvertently Sent Documents, Playbook Conflicts, and Offering Legal Representation to Corporate Employees. Program venue: Cardozo Law School, Moot Court Room.

February 10 2015

Fordham Bridge the Gap Program 2015

Nicole Hyland presents two CLE programs about litigation/advocacy ethics and law practice ethics at Fordham's "Bridge the Gap" program.

January 24 2015

Writing and Publishing to Further Your Career

Nicole Hyland speaks on a panel hosted by the NYC Bar Association's Committee on Career Advancement and Management.  The program explores how lawyers can use writing and publishing to enhance their professional profiles and develop business.  Program venue: NYCBA building at 42 West 44th Street in New York.

January 14 2015

Staying out of Trouble: What Every Attorney Must Know About Ethics 2014

Nicole Hyland speaks on a panel about important developments in the New York ethics rules, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, advertising and the no-contact rule. Program venue: Practising Law Institute, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York.

December 15 2014

E-discovery at Outten & Golden

Nicole Hyland and Ronald Minkoff present a CLE on E-discovery. Program Venue: Outten & Golden LLP, 3 Park Avenue, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10016.

December 9 2014

Entertainment Business Law Seminar

Edward Rosenthal and Nicole Hyland speak on litigation strategies and attorney ethics in the entertainment industry at the Entertainment Business Law Seminar in association with the CMJ Music Marathon.

October 24 2014

Ethics for Advertising Lawyers

Nicole Hyland speaks at a CLE Program about the unique ethical issues that confront advertising lawyers, both in-house and outside counsel. Program venue: Frankfurt Kurnit

October 17 2014

What Lawyers Need to Know About Social Media and Advertising

Nicole Hyland speaks on a panel about social media, advertising, and legal ethics. Program venue: The annual meeting of WBASNY in Galloway, New Jersey.

June 9 2014

“Ethics in the Electronic Age” at the New York City Bar Association

Nicole Hyland speaks at a CLE program hosted by the New York City Bar Association entitled "Ethics in the Electronic Age. Be careful when using that smart phone, tablet, blog or social network." Program venue: NYCBA building at 42 West 44th Street in New York.

June 2 2014

Breaking Bad in the Digital Age: Ethical Concerns in Lawyers’ Use of Emerging Technology

Nicole Hyland speaks at a CLE program entitled "Breaking Bad in the Digital Age: Ethical Concerns in Lawyers’ Use of Emerging Technology." Program Venue: 40th ABA National Conference on Professional Responsibility in Long Beach, California

May 29 2014

The Intra-Firm Attorney-Client Privilege and Duties Upon Receiving Privileged Documents

Nicole Hyland speaks on a panel about recent developments concerning the recognition of the atorney-client privilege between law firm in-house counsel and the lawyers they advise, as well as the ethical issues that arise when lawyers receive stolen documents. Program venue: IADC Professional Liability Roundable in Chicago, Illinois.

May 8 2014

Lawyer Complaints and Complaining Lawyers: Navigating the World of Attorney Discipline

Nicole Hyland moderates an ethics panel about New York’s disciplinary system, offering a range of different viewpoints, including prosecutor, respondents’ counsel and judge, for the annual Meeting of the New York Women’s Bar Association. Program Venue: Frankfurt Kurnit.

April 24 2014

Privacy and Your Practice: How to Keep your Information Safe and Secure

Nicole Hyland speaks on an ethics panel about the ethical implications of using the cloud, social media, and other technological developments. Program Venue: CUNY School of Law, Long Island City, New York.

April 17 2014

“The Intra-Firm Attorney Client Privilege,” at the Bi-Annual Meeting of the APRL

Nicole Hyland speaks on a panel about recent developments concerning the intra-firm attorney-client privilege. Program venue: APRL bi-annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

March 28 2014

Selected Ethics Issues in IP Rights Enforcement and Defense

Nicole Hyland speaks at a CLE program entitled "Selected Ethics Issues in IP Rights Enforcement and Defense". Program venue: Practising Law Institute, 1177 Avenue of the Americas New York.

January 31 2014

Social Lawyers: Avoiding the Ethical Pitfalls of Using Social Media

Nicole Hyland speaks at a CLE program about Ethics and Social Media for the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Leadership Development, as part of the NYSBA 2014 Annual Meeting. Program venue: Watchell, Lipton 51 West 52nd Street in New York.

January 28 2014

Nicole Hyland at the New York City Bar Association

Nicole Hyland speaks at a CLE program on Ethics and Social Media hosted by the New York City Bar Association. Program venue: NYCBA building at 42 West 44th Street in New York.

January 14 2014

Fordham Law School Bridge-the-Gap Program 2014

Nicole Hyland presents two ethics programs on conflicts of interest and social media ethics at Fordham Law School's 2014 Bridge-the-Gap program. Program venue: Fordham University School of Law.

January 11 2014

Ethics Issues for the Open Source Practitioner

Nicole Hyland speaks "Ethics Issues for the Open Source Practitioner", a CLE program at PLI's New York Conference Center.

November 13 2013

Other People’s Money: Client Funds and Escrow Accounts

Nicole Hyland moderates an ethics panel regarding the ethical implications of handling client funds, including opening and managing escrow accounts, the IOLA program, and the New York Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection.

September 26 2013

Ethics & Conflicts: How to Handle Client Conflicts 2013

Nicole Hyland speaks at CLE program on how to handle client conflicts hosted by the Practising Law Institute. Program Venue: PLI's New York Conference Center.

August 13 2013

The Legal Ethics of Blogging, Social Networking & List Servs

Nicole Hyland speaks on a panel hosted by the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers in San Francisco, California about the legal ethics of blogging, social networking, and List Serv.

August 9 2013

Social Media Traps to Avoid for Lawyers

Nicole Hyland presents an ethics CLE on "Social Media Traps to Avoid for Lawyers" at Frankfurt Kurnit.

July 30 2013

Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls in a Criminal Law Practice

Nicole Hyland moderates, "Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls in a Criminal Law Practice," an event co-sponsored by the Ethics and Criminal Law Committees of the New York Women’s Bar Association.

June 18 2013

New York City Bar Association’s Legal Referral Service

Nicole Hyland moderates a CLE program on Marketing and Social Media for the City Bar.

May 28 2013

Hot Topics in Legal Ethics

Nicole Hyland speaks at a CLE program hosted by Fordham Law School.

May 20 2013

Conflicts Panel for New York Women’s Bar Association

Nicole Hyland moderates "Duties, Duties, Duties: What to do When Your Duties to Your Client Conflict With Your Duties to the Court or Third Parties", a CLE Program at Frankfurt Kurnit.

April 23 2013

The Ethics Game Show: Matrimonial and Family Law Edition 2013

Nicole Hyland speaks at "The Ethics Game Show: Matrimonial and Family Law Edition 2013", aCLE program at the PLI's New York Conference Center.

March 28 2013

Ethics for Business and Transactional Lawyers

Nicole Hyland speaks at a CLE program hosted by the NY State Bar Association at the Concierge Conference Center, New York City.

March 18 2013

Ethical Billing Practices and Retainer Agreements

Nicole Hyland and Frankfurt Kurnit host a CLE program on "Ethical Billing Practices and Retainer Agreements".

February 12 2013

‘Outlaw’ or ‘Artlaw’: Advertising in the Digital Age

Nicole Hyland speaks on a panel at the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (APRL) on "'Outlaw' or 'Artlaw': Advertising in the Digital Age" in Dallas, TX.

February 8 2013

IP Enforcement and Litigation 2013: Criminal and Civil Update

Nicole Hyland speaks at a CLE program on IP Enforcement and Litigation at PLI’s New York Conference Center.

February 1 2013

Ethical Dangers of Lawyers Using Technology & Social Media

Richard Maltz and Nicole Hyland speak at a CLE program at the NY City Bar Association on the "Ethical Dangers of Lawyers Using Technology & Social Media".

January 29 2013

Staying Out of Trouble: What Every Attorney Must Know About Ethics 2012

Nicole Hyland speaks on and Ronald Minkoff moderates "Staying Out of Trouble: What Every Attorney Must Know About Ethics", a panel at the PLI Institute of New York.

December 17 2012

Ethics Game Show

Nicole Hyland speaks at,"Ethics Game Show", an event hosted by the New York Women's Bar Association.

December 6 2012

Attorney Escrow Accounts

Nicole Hyland speaks on "Attorney Escrow Accounts", a panel at the NYC Bar Bridge the Gap Program.

December 5 2012

NYC Bar Bridge the Gap Program

Nicole Hyland speaks at the NYC Bar Bridge the Gap Program on a panel regarding Attorney Escrow accounts.

December 5 2012

Emerging Ethical Risks for Attorneys

Nicole Hyland speaks at "Emerging Ethical Risks for Attorneys", an event sponsored by the HB Litigation Conference in New York City.

July 25 2012

Ethics Game Show

Nicole Hyland speaks at the "Ethics Game Show", a presentation at the NY City Bar Association.

June 27 2012

Ethics for Government Lawyers Panel

Nicole Hyland chairs "Ethics for Government Lawyers" at a PLI conference in New York.

March 9 2012

Ethical Issues Confronted During Litigation

Richard Maltz and Nicole Hyland present "Ethical Issues Confronted During Litigation", a CLE presentation for the New York County Lawyers' Assocation.

October 26 2011

New York State Bar Association

Ronald Minkoff and Nicole Hyland present a Conflicts of Interest CLE for the New York State Bar Association.

June 22 2011

My First Ethical Dilemma: A Program for Law Students

Nicole Hyland presents "My First Ethical Dilemma: A Program for Law Students" at the New York City Bar.

April 20 2011

MLRC Media Law Conference 2016

Nicole Hyland presents a social media ethics panel at the MLRC Media Law Conference in Reston, Virginia. 

news & press

For New York Lawyers: Recent Changes to the Biennial Reporting Requirements

New York recently made changes to its biennial reporting requirements. The notice linked here from the NYS Unified Court System explains those changes, which go into effect on Dec. 1, 2024. Here's a summary of what New York lawyers need to know. Read more.

The Best Lawyers in America 2025

Best Lawyers in America recognizes 48 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in the 2025 edition. Read more.

Live Nation Worker Can Fight $5.5M Disputed Atty Fee

Law360 mentions Nicole Hyland as counsel to Mark Perez, whose breach of contract claim against Morelli Law Firm PLLC for withholding $5.5 million in attorney fees from a $20 million personal injury award was upheld by a New York appeals court. View Article

39 Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2023

Super Lawyers magazine lists 39 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2023 NY-metro edition. Read more.

The Best Lawyers in America 2024

Best Lawyers in America recognizes 44 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in the 2024 edition. Read more.

Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2022

The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Caren Decter, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Hannah Taylor, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Aaron Deitsch, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, Jordyn Milewski, and Adam Osterweil are listed as “Rising Stars.” Read more.

Lawyers Must Navigate Client Privacy Before Suits See Public Eye

Bloomberg Law quotes Nicole Hyland on addressing privacy risks with clients, before they consider a lawsuit. Read more.

Morelli Speaks Out About Legal Fight with Client Over $5.5M in Disputed Fees

The New York Law Journal mentions Nicole Hyland and Tyler Maulsby as counsel to Mark Perez in his dispute with Benedict Morelli over an additional fee for appellate work. (Behind paywall) View Article

High-Profile Personal Injury Lawyer, Client Who Won Record $20M Award Sue Each Other Over Part of Settlement

Law360 and the New York Law Journal mention Nicole Hyland and Tyler Maulsby as counsel to Mark Perez in his fee dispute with Benedict Morelli. (Behind paywall) View Article

Judge Disqualifies Cahill Law Firm in Investor Fight with Billionaire Guo Wengui

Reuters mentions Nicole Hyland, Ronald C. Minkoff and Jesse Klinger as counsel to GTV Media Group. View Article

Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2021

The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Caren Decter, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Rick Kurnit, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Thomas D. Selz, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Marcie Cleary, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, and Adam Osterweil are listed as “Rising Stars.” Read more.

Manatt Settles Contract Suit Over Under Armour Claims

Law360 mentions Nicole Hyland as counsel to Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP. (Behind paywall) View Article

Snapshot: Paul Hastings’ Malpractice Battle Over Client Lease

Law360 Pulse mentions Ronald C. Minkoff and Nicole Hyland as counsel to West 87 LP in their lawsuit against Paul Hastings over a mistake in a rent escalation formula. (Behind paywall) View Article

Luddites Out, Remote Work in for Legal Ethics Post Pandemic 

Bloomberg Law quotes Nicole Hyland on the issues surrounding remote work in the legal profession. View Article

Manatt Must Face Full Suit For Under Armour Slip, Judge Told

Law360 mentions Nicole Hyland as counsel to Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP. (Behind paywall) View Article

Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2020

The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Rick Kurnit, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Thomas D. Selz, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Marcie Cleary, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, Adam Osterweil and Rachel Santori are listed as “Rising Stars.” Read more.

Attys Brace For Tidal Wave Of Pandemic-Era Malpractice Suits

Law360 quotes Nicole Hyland on future ethics and misconduct issues lawyers could face due to the pandemic. View Article

Tips for Minimizing Law Firm Liability During COVID-19

Law360 published Nicole Hyland’s article “Tips for Minimizing Law Firm Liability During COVID-19.” The article discusses risk management issues that law firms face during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers tips for minimizing risks. View Article

A Primer On New York’s COVID-19 Executive Orders and What They Mean for Your Practice

This past week, New York has taken a number of steps to restrict movement in and around the State in an effort to contain the COVID-19 crisis. Governor Andrew Cuomo has issued executive orders and the chief judges of the state and federal courts have issued administrative orders that have had a sweeping impact on the legal industry as well as the business community at large. Read more.

Six Things Applicants Need to Know About NY’s Character and Fitness Process

The New York Law Journal published Tyler Maulsby and Nicole Hyland’s article “Six Things Applicants Need to Know About NY’s Character and Fitness Process.” (Behind paywall) View Article

Thirty Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers Metro List for 2019

Super Lawyers magazine lists thirty Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2019 NY-area edition. Read more.

Electrical Contractor’s Ex-CEO Can’t Disqualify Company’s Lawyers in Arbitration, Appeals Court Rules

The New York Law Journal mentions Nicole Hyland as counsel to Five Star and Tutor Perini who are seeking more than $12 million from a former chief executive in arbitration. View Article

Thirty-two Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named in Super Lawyers Magazine for 2018

Super Lawyers magazine lists thirty-two Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2018 edition. Read more.

California Supreme Court Holds that Conflict Invalidates Firm’s Engagement Letter But Says Firm Still May be Able to Get Paid

Last week, the California Supreme Court issued its decision in Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP v. J-M Manufacturing Co., Inc., a decision which lawyers and law firms anxiously awaited for months. Read more.

Michael Cohen’s Troubles Don’t End with His Guilty Plea

Bloomberg Law quotes Nicole Hyland's book, “Simon’s New York Rules of Professional Conduct Annotated" (co-written with Roy Simon) on the question whether Mr. Cohen's statements about President Trump violate the New York Rules of Professional Conduct. View Article

Trump Attorney’s Statement That He Paid Stormy Daniels $130K Raises Ethics Questions

The ABA Journal quotes Nicole Hyland and Ronald C. Minkoff on whether alleged hush payments to Stormy Daniels violated the rules of professional conduct. View Article

Boies In Ethics Quagmire Over Weinstein Spy Hire

Law360 quoted Nicole Hyland on when communications between a law firm and an investigator it hires may be protected by the attorney-client privilege. View Article

N.Y. State Bar Ethics Committee Takes On Avvo Legal Services, Says Model Violates Ethics Rules

Recently the New York State Bar Ethics Committee issued a pair of opinions about the limitations on a lawyer's ability to take advantage of certain on-line legal marketing services. Read more.

Fox’s Napolitano Could Face Ethics Trouble Over Wiretap Claims

The New Jersey Law Journal quoted Nicole Hyland on ethical considerations arising from a Fox legal commentator’s on-air remarks. (Article behind paywall) View Article

Non-Party Has Sufficient Interest to Disqualify Law Firm from Second Circuit Case

At the request of a non-party, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recently disqualified the law firm BakerHostetler LLP ("Baker") from representing its client Prevezon Holdings Ltd. ("Prevezon"). Read more.

Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2016

Super Lawyers listed thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2016 edition. Read more.

Gibbons Says DQ Bid In Quanta Pollution Row Is Too Late

A Law360 article about the DMJ Associates LLC v. Carl A. Capasso case (EDNY) mentioned our firm’s role as special professional responsibility counsel for Gibbons (which is counsel to Rexam Beverage Can Co.). The article quoted Nicole Hyland’s arguments supporting Gibbons’ efforts to overcome a disqualification motion. View Article

Less Exposure: New York Appeals Court Finds Privilege For Law Firm In-House Counsel

A New York appeals court gave attorneys a reason to celebrate just before the July 4th holiday weekend. Read more.

Watch What You Say: New York Court Rule Will Expose More Attorney-Client Communications

Anyone who has ever had to litigate a dispute knows how important the attorney-client privilege is. Read more.

Is Avvo’s fixed-cost service a fee-sharing violation?

The ABA Journal quoted Nicole Hyland in an article about a controversial match-making legal services site. View Article

Not Just a New York State of Mind: Nonresident Lawyers Must Have a Physical Office in New York

On Friday, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit struck a blow to nonresident lawyers looking to practice in New York State. Read more.

Why BigLaw May Be In Big Trouble After Data Breaches

Law360 quoted Nicole Hyland on potential law firm liability and ethics rules exposure arising from database breaches. View Article

Sheppard Mullin’s Bid To Buy Waiver Emerges In Fee Row

Law360 quoted Nicole Hyland on the question whether a law firm can pay a client in exchange for a waiver of a potential conflict of interest. View Article

Gibbons Says New Ruling Ends DQ Bid In Pollution Suit

Nicole Hyland, Ronald Minkoff and Tyler Maulsby are featured in the Law360 article, "Gibbons Says New Ruling Ends DQ Bid In Pollution Suit". View Article

Sheppard Fee Loss Ups Ante For Consent In BigLaw Waivers

Nicole Hyland is quoted in the Law360 article, "Sheppard Fee Loss Ups Ante For Consent In BigLaw Waivers". View Article

Gibbons Shouldn’t Be DQ’d From Pollution Suit, Rexam Says

Nicole Hyland is mentioned in the Law360 article, "Gibbons Shouldn’t Be DQ’d From Pollution Suit, Rexam Says". View Article

We Asked an Ethics Lawyer About Defense Attorneys Who Break the Rules

Nicole Hyland was interviewed by Vice about about public defenders, attorney-client privilege, and how Law & Order has skewed Americans' opinions of the justice system in the lead up to Season 2 of 'Better Call Saul.'

Law Firms Win Big Case Arising from Representation of Clients with Competing Interests

Law firms often struggle to determine when the rules of professional conduct permit representation of clients who compete in the marketplace. When is it OK, for example, to represent clients with competing patents, trademarks, or copyrights? A recent Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case provides important guidance for IP lawyers -- particularly those representing clients with patents. Read more.

New York Authorizes Temporary Practice By Out-Of-State Lawyers

In a thrilling and important development, New York has promulgated a new Court Rule, 22 NYCRR § 523 ("Section 523"), that allows lawyers admitted in other jurisdictions, but not admitted in New York, to practice here under certain circumstances. Read more.

A Storm on the Horizon - When to Communicate with Clients About Destroyed Files

As hurricane Joaquin barrels towards the Northeast, New York lawyers may be reminded of the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy as well as other recent disasters. Read more.

Thirty-three Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2015

Super Lawyers listed thirty-three Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2015 edition. Read more.

Virtually Unclear: Will Legal Tech Companies Bridge Justice Gap or Fall into UPL Abyss?

Nicole Hyland and Tyler Maulsby contributed an article to the New York Legal Ethics Reporter titled, "Virtually Unclear: Will Legal Tech Companies Bridge Justice Gap or Fall into UPL Abyss?". Read more.

Dentons Conflict Ruling Should Give Megafirms Pause

Nicole Hyland was quoted in the Law360 article, "Dentons Conflict Ruling Should Give Megafirms Pause". View Article

City Bar Ethics Panel Issues Opinion on Attorney Threats

Nicole Hyland was quoted in the New York Law Journal in the article "City Bar Ethics Panel Issues Opinion on Attorney Threats". (Article behind a paywall) View Article

To Dodge Conflicts, Make Waivers Specific

Nicole Hyland was quoted by Bloomberg BNA on the ethics of client engagement letters and the advance waiver clauses they include in the article, "To Dodge Conflicts, Make Waivers Specific".  View Article

Google Hits Jenner With Own Book In Subpoena Spat

Nicole Hyland was quoted by Law 360 in this article (behind a paywall) about privilege issues in Google's case against Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. 

Mylan’s Kirkland Ellis Suit May Hold Clues for Conflict Waivers

Law360 quoted Nicole Hyland on what Mylan Inc. et al. v. Kirkland Ellis LLP could mean for conflict waivers. In the suit, Mylan alleged Kirkland & Ellis LLP breached fiduciary, ethical and professional duties when it agreed to represent Mylan’s rival, Teva. Read more.

The Legal Ethics and Morality of ‘Better Call Saul’

Bob Ambrogi of Lawyer 2 Lawyer interviews Nicole Hyland about her popular blog analzying the legal ethics of the show, 'Better Call Saul.' View Article

Bits or Mortar: Will New York Continue to Require Non-Resident Lawyers to Have Physical Offices?

For a variety of reasons, some New York lawyers choose to practice "virtually" - that is, they conduct their business primarily over the Internet, rather than through a physical law office. Read more.

Attorneys Are Lawyering Up in Two New Cases

Bloomberg BNA quoted Nicole Hyland on the legal ethics of two recent cases of alleged attorney misconduct. View Article

Standard Of Review: The Legal Ethics (Or Lack Thereof) Of Better Call Saul

Above the Law interviewed Nicole Hyland on her blog "The Legal Ethics of Better Call Saul". View Article

Slate TV Club Podcast

Nicole Hyland was interviewed for Slate's TV Club Podcast about her Tumblr blog which discusses the legal ethics of "Better Call Saul." (min 14:20 - 27:02) Listen to podcast.

Thirty-one Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2014

Super Lawyers listed thirty-one Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2014 edition. Read more.

Nicole Hyland’s Blog in Above the Law

​Above the Law mentioned Nicole Hyland's blog, "The Legal Ethics of Better Call Saul", in "Non-Sequiturs". View Article

NYCBA Says Retainer Fees OK if Certain Conditions Met

The New York Law Journal covered a New York City Bar opinion on non-refundable retainer fees. The City Bar’s Committee on Professional Ethics, which is chaired by Nicole Hyland, released the opinion. (Article behind a paywall) View Article

NYC Bar Warns Firms To Tread Lightly With HR Outsourcing

Law360 quoted Nicole Hyland on the ethical issues confronting law firms that use Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to outsource human resource and employee benefit functions. The article (which is behind a paywall) quoted Ms. Hyland saying: "Law firms are ethically permitted to use PEOs, subject to certain guidelines. The law firm must scrutinize the PEO Agreement carefully to make sure that it does not interfere with the lawyers' ethical obligations." You can read more about this ethics opinion here.

New York Court of Appeals Refuses to Apply “Unfinished Business” Doctrine to Law Firms

In a decision with far reaching implications for law firms and their clients, the New York Court of Appeals firmly rejected the application of the "unfinished business" doctrine - an important principle of partnership law - to lawyers and law firms. Read more.

5 Ways To Turn Your Social Media Addiction Into Clients

Law360 recently quoted Nicole Hyland on social media marketing for lawyers. Read more.

New Ethics Opinion Says New York Lawyers May Use a Virtual Law Office Address in Advertising

In the current legal and economic climate, some lawyers are using - or considering using - so-called "virtual law offices". Read more.

Service of Process to Virtual Office

The New York Law Journal published Nicole Hyland's letter to the editor regarding a recent City Bar Ethics Committee Opinion on the use of "virtual law offices" in attorney advertising. (Article behind a paywall) View Article

Panelists Identify What Lawyers Do On Social Media That Leads to Trouble

Bloomberg BNA cited "Breaking Bad in the Digital Age: Ethical Concerns in Lawyers' Use of Emerging Technology", a panel on which Nicole Hyland explored ethical concerns arising from lawyers' use of social media. Read more.

When Using Social Media, Even Legal Minds Need to Err on the Side of Caution

The Long Island Business Journal quoted Nicole Hyland on the importance of lawyers using caution when communicating on social media. View Article

In-House Counsel Ethics: Practicing Law as a Square Peg

The American Bar Association published Nicole Hyland's article on ethical considerations for in-house counsel. Read more.

Practicing Law in the Age of Cloud Computing

VentureBeat quoted Nicole Hyland on the legal ethics of cloud computing. View Article

New York Court of Appeals Rules on Attorney Fees Issue

Just three weeks ago, the New York Court of Appeals, in Albunio v. City of New York, issued a ruling on a question that has long bedeviled civil rights and employment lawyers - and their clients. Read more.

Law Firm Liability: Court Ruling Will Permit More Fraud Claims to Proceed

In a decision last week Melcher v. Greenberg Traurig LLP, New York's highest court, gave a big boost to plaintiffs wanting to sue lawyers for committing intentional fraud and deceit in the course of a court proceeding. Read more.

ABA Journal Podcast

The ABA Journal released Nicole Hyland's podcast on "How Lawyers Can Get the Most out of Facebook’s Paid Status Updates." Listen to Podcast

Creative Arrangements with Nonlegal Businesses

Bloomberg BNA quoted Nicole Hyland on an opinion released this month by the New York City Bar's Ethics Committee regarding ethics rules for lawyers contemplating creative arrangements with nonlegal organizations.

Business Arrangements with Non-Legal Entities

In the current legal and economic climate, some lawyers are considering business arrangements with non-legal entities. A new ethics opinion by the Committee on Professional Ethics of the New York City Bar Association discusses important ethical issues raised by such business ventures. Read more.

Frankfurt Kurnit Promotes Top Ethics Lawyer to Partnership

Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, PC named Nicole Hyland partner of the firm’s Attorney Ethics and Professional Responsibility Group, effective January 1st, 2014. Read more.

Ethics Roundup for 2013: Six Developments that Affect the Way We Practice Law

Our work as professional responsibility attorneys over the past year has given us a front row seat to the most bedeviling ethical conundrums faced by lawyers. In our final Ethics Alert of 2013, we re-cap six important developments for New York-area lawyers, along with tips for staying on the right side of the line. Read more.

Are Your Pre-Merger Communications with Your Client Protected?

The purchaser in a corporate merger owns the seller's pre-merger communications with its lawyer, according to a recent Delaware decision. In Great Hill Equity Partners Iv, LP v. SIG Growth Equity Fund I, LLP, the buyer sued former shareholders of the seller alleging they fraudulently induced the buyer to enter into the transaction. Read more.

Use of “Of Counsel” Title for Lawyers in Foreign Countries

A recent New York City Bar Professional Ethics Committee opinion offers important new guidance to New York law firms on use of the "of counsel" title for lawyers who work in foreign countries. The opinion states that a New York law firm can designate as "of counsel" a New York attorney who resides and practices law overseas, provided the firm complies with three criteria. Read more.

Twenty-seven Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2013

Super Lawyers listed twenty-seven Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2013 edition. In addition Super Lawyers recognized Terri Seligman in its "Top 50 New York Women Lawyers List". Read more.

Can Lawyers Advise Clients to Delete Social Media Content?

Increasingly, lawyers are faced with questions about whether they should advise clients about the use of social media. While news reports and ethics opinions have focused primarily on lawyers' social media use, the issue of client counseling has received less attention. Now, a new ethics Opinion by the New York County Lawyers Association concludes that lawyers may ethically counsel clients about their use of social media, including, in some circumstances, advising them to "take down" social media content. Read more.

Judges May ‘Friend’ Lawyers, Witnesses ABA Says

Professional Negligence News quoted Nicole Hyland in an article about the judicious use of electronic social media. Read more.

Social Media Security

The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania's Attorney featured Nicole Hyland's article on the "Ethics of Social Media Use" in its newsletter.

Judge Slams Photographer for Meritless Copyright Suit

NEWSgrist quoted Nicole Hyland on her recent "victory not only for artistic expression, but for the legal system as well." View Article

Data Security

Data security breaches are in the news, and companies that experience them are suffering loss of consumer confidence. If your business model requires you to collect personal consumer data, you may want to hear about a recent federal case that makes it much easier for consumers to sue companies for data security breaches. Read more.

Nicole Hyland Featured in IPFrontline.com

IPFrontline.com featured Nicole Hyland's blog post on an important Australian decision on the copyrightability of newspaper headlines.