It’s a Thin Line: Legal Advice vs. Legal Information
Hosted by COLERA
Program
This presentation will discuss issues related to professionalism and ethics, which will include instruction on matters related to the distinction between providing legal advice versus providing legal information in the labor and human resources sectors.
During this event, the speaker will discuss how understanding the distinction between legal advice and legal information is critical for professionals who work at the intersection of employment law and workplace dispute resolution. HR managers, labor relations professionals, mediators, arbitrators, and other professionals are frequently asked legal questions by employees, managers, union representatives, and parties in conflict. Knowing where information ends and legal advice begins helps reduce risk while promoting informed decision-making.
This CLE program will examine the legal and ethical boundaries between providing legal information and offering legal advice. Through practical workplace scenarios and interactive discussion, attendees will learn how to identify situations that may inadvertently cross the line into legal advice, communicate effectively without creating unintended attorney-client relationships or unauthorized practice of law concerns, and develop best practices for responding to legal inquiries in HR, labor, and alternative dispute resolution settings.
Date and Time
November 17, 2026 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Speaker
Sharlene Chance is an attorney with 27 years of legal experience spanning both the private and public sectors. Throughout her career, she has served in appellate courts and state and county government, bringing extensive expertise in litigation, legal research and writing, compliance, mediation, and public speaking.
A graduate of Capital University Law School, Ms. Chance has significant experience in civil litigation and white-collar criminal law. In January 2009, she was recognized as one of Ohio’s Outstanding Young Lawyers, earning the Super Lawyers Rising Stars distinction featured by Cincinnati Magazine.
Ms. Chance joined the Franklin County Clerk of Courts in 2016 as Director of Legal Compliance. In this role, she guides the Clerk’s administrative and management teams on legal, regulatory, and procedural matters. She also represents the Clerk’s Office in collaboration with various county agencies and serves on numerous committees through the Columbus Bar Association and the Ohio Clerk of Courts Association.
A veteran of the United States Army Reserve, Ms. Chance served as an Administrative Assistant with a Military Police Battalion. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle through fitness and participating in 5K races. Above all, she treasures spending time with and celebrating life’s moments with her grandchildren.
Location
Lower-Level Meeting Room
FOP Building
222 East Town Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Take the elevator or the back stairs down to the lower level.
FREE Parking Available
Holiday Inn Columbus Downtown-Capitol Square by IHG,
175 East Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, is providing free parking in their lot! Also, metered parking available in front, or spaces in the lot behind the building off of Chapel Street.
Cost and Registration
$25 for Members, with lunch included
$30 for Visitors, with lunch included
$15 for Students, with lunch included
$10 Standard Ticket, no lunch included
Refunds will not be offered unless requested more than 5 calendar days prior to the Event date.
Attendees must register by 12 PM on the day prior to the Event date to guarantee lunch will be available to them.
Bookings
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