Norm Pattis is facing a request for a six-month suspension because of an alleged violation of a confidentiality order in the Alex Jones case. In the legal academy we called events such as this teachable moments. While I don't think Norm should be disciplined, I believe some important lessons can be learned.

As a matter of full disclosure, I consider Norm a colleague and friend. I have litigated lawyer discipline cases against clients of his in the past and I have been honored to represent him and his firm in other matters. I also represented him in a collateral disciplinary matter arising out of the Jones case. He has given me permission to disclose all that. I am not representing him in the suspension case.