Do you have insurance for all the risks you and your law firm face? Many lawyers do not. Legal professional liability coverage is common these days, as lawyers attempt to mitigate the risk of third-party claims. But some claims may not be covered. Neither professional liability, business owners or general liability insurance policies typically cover most cyber incidents. For this reason, lawyers
On June 29, 2023, the case of Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College culminated in a landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, which held that colleges and universities can no longer take race into consideration as a specific basis for granting admission.1 It’s a decision that will have lasting impact, yet it is not the
A claimant’s policy limit demand may set an attorney up to fail in hopes of a larger payday. Small mistakes could constitute a rejection, which opens an attorney up to a malpractice claim.
Prior claims can help offer insight into what to do and what not to do. Here’s what to know about policy limit demands, the most common pitfalls to watch out
Today more than ever, lawyers face an unusual risk dealing with the ethical complexities of cannabis law. Dozens of states have legalized certain cannabis products, creating a new industry in need of professional legal services.
However, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Here’s what to know about cannabis clients and where cannabis law stands for lawyers today.
Not too
Continuing legal education (CLE) is a powerful tool that helps lawyers minimize the risk of a malpractice claim. Participating in CLE activities also helps ensure you meet your state requirements and may even save you money on your insurance premiums.
Lockton Affinity Lawyer is lucky to have an extensive network of carrier partners attentive to the CLE needs of legal professionals, among them,
Most malpractice claims involve a client suing their lawyer, but that’s not always the case. Nontraditional legal malpractice claims can also go far beyond the usual allegations of a missed statute of limitations deadline, failure to correctly interpret the law or breach of contract.
Other risks exist that can put your future in jeopardy, particularly because many attorneys will look at a nontraditional
Most lawyers don’t have a crystal ball sitting on their desk. But every lawyer should know the signs that suggest something might be off about a client and understand their duty to investigate under the applicable ethics guidelines.
Unfortunately, some individuals do engage with legal professionals to defraud institutions, commit crimes or launder money. Lawyers are held to high standards and the consequences
Everyone has had bad days and said something they later regret. However, for lawyers and law firms, incivility carries added risk—especially when the behavior becomes habitual.
Incivility in the practice of law can lead to adverse outcomes in case matters, accusations of legal malpractice, claims of ethics violations, hostile workplace cultures, adverse health effects and a generalized lowering of the public’s esteem for
Many courts view the misappropriation of client funds as one of the most serious forms of professional misconduct. While many attorneys would prefer to direct most of their focus to their performance in the courtroom, serious consequences can result from accounting mistakes and inaccuracies, even when there has been no intent to deceive or defraud a client.
Attorneys are held to a high
Like many attorneys, there may be times where you routinely include fee shifting provisions in your attorney-client retainer agreements. However, these agreements may not be appropriate in every case or for every law firm. Before you proceed, take time to understand the benefits and risks a fee shifting provision may entail.
Fee shifting provisions are generally intended to help