Under Illinois law, civil defense counsel are prohibited from having communications with treating physicians and staff of treating physicians. This course examines new cases that address the caveats and specifics of the rule commonly known as the Petrillo doctrine. This course will explore how to avoid the ethical errors that may arise during communications with opposing party’s expert witnesses. This course will explore the ethical duties, roles and responsibilities of counsel in situations involving ex parte contacts by civil defense counsel with medical providers of the plaintiff.