Lawyers Discuss Navigating Rule 11 Sanctions

Panel at Hinshaw's 25th LMRM Conference in Chicago covers how to prevent, defend, and mitigate exposure to court-imposed sanctions.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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There are few things attorneys dread as much as the prospect of court-imposed sanctions under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. A recent panel discussion at Hinshaw's 25th LMRM Conference in Chicago dove into how lawyers and firms can prevent, defend, and mitigate their exposure to Rule 11 sanctions, which measure a lawyer's conduct under an objective standard.

Why it matters

Rule 11 sanctions can have serious professional and financial consequences for lawyers, so understanding how to navigate this legal minefield is crucial. The panel discussion provided insights and strategies for attorneys to avoid the pitfalls of Rule 11 violations.

The details

Speaking at the conference, Jeffrey S. Hengeveld, a partner at Plunkett Cooney PC, explained that when a motion for sanctions is filed under Rule 11, the lawyer's conduct will be measured under an objective standard. The session, titled 'Sanctions: From Safe Harbor to Shipwreck—What Every Lawyer Must Know,' covered best practices for preventing, defending, and mitigating exposure to Rule 11 sanctions.

  • The panel discussion took place on March 5, 2026 at Hinshaw's 25th LMRM Conference in Chicago.

The players

Jeffrey S. Hengeveld

A partner at Plunkett Cooney PC who spoke on the panel discussion about navigating Rule 11 sanctions.

Hinshaw's 25th LMRM Conference

The conference where the panel discussion on Rule 11 sanctions took place.

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The takeaway

Understanding how to prevent, defend, and mitigate exposure to Rule 11 sanctions is crucial for lawyers, as these court-imposed penalties can have serious professional and financial consequences. The panel discussion provided valuable insights and strategies for attorneys to navigate this complex legal landscape.