I wrote recently that 13 states (see full list) had adopted the ethical duty of technology competence reflected in 2012 amendments to the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Well, make it 14. Today, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts ordered the adoption of Comment 8 to Rule 1.1, which will now read as follows in Mass.:

To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology, and engage in continuing study and education.

The change will take effect on July 1, 2015. This was part of a package of changes to the Mass. Rules of Professional Conduct. The order and full text of the revised rules are below.


Photo of Bob Ambrogi Bob Ambrogi

Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.