Affinity Group Insurance Trends & Solutions | Lockton Affinity

Does Your Firm Use Email Encryption?

Respected security professionals have compared email to postcards written in pencil—they can be viewed or altered by third parties easily.

Hackers are targeting law firms to steal sensitive client information more and more. A security breach can diminish your firm’s reputation and can also have serious legal and financial ramifications.

It is also ethically required for attorneys to take reasonable measures to safeguard information

May 8th, 2019|Attorney Protective, Cyber Security|

How to Handle Fee Disputes with Your Clients

 Browsing through your inbox, you notice that the check from the insurance carrier you recently settled a claim with has arrived. Imagining all the wonderful things you can do with your portion of the proceeds, you pick up the phone to call your client and ask her if she wants to stop by the following day and pick up her portion. “How

April 5th, 2019|Attorney Protective, Law Firm Tips|

How to Avoid Email Pitfalls

Email has become the preferred method of communication for corresponding with colleagues and clients. Although writing an email is easy, lawyers need to avoid email pitfalls. By avoiding the common errors discussed below, your emails will remain effective and professional.

Tips to Avoid Email Pitfalls:

Failing to Promptly Respond

It is essential to do a thorough review of an email before sending it to the

April 2nd, 2019|Attorney Protective, Law Firm Tips|

The Importance of File Documentation

Swiss Re recently experienced a complex, high exposure case related to improper file documentation. The case likely would not have been pursued if the insured had properly documented their client file.

To prevent experiencing a similar case, read on for proper file documentation tips.

Case Background

Our insured attorney represented debtors in a bankruptcy case. One of the pressing issues in the bankruptcy case was

February 19th, 2019|Law Firm Tips, Swiss Re|

Withdrawing from a Case

Withdrawing from a case usually comes from irreconcilable differences between attorney and client. The manner and means of terminating that relationship can affect the likelihood that a malpractice claim will be presented.

First, know and follow the procedures applicable in your jurisdiction. Many states, like California, provide in their own Rules of Professional Conduct when withdrawal is mandatory and when it is permissive.

February 5th, 2019|Attorney Protective, Law Firm Tips|

EPT Risk Management

Claims made against attorneys who practice in the area of estate, probate and trust have been steadily increasing.

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, we are experiencing the largest generational transfer of wealth than at any other time in our history. While the Boomers are the wealthiest of all previous generations, they often lived with a “can’t take it with you” mentality.

Even with

January 8th, 2019|Law Firm Tips, Swiss Re|

Placing Professional Liability Coverage With a Dependable Carrier

As an attorney, not much seems worse than facing a malpractice claim. Having a financially sound, respected and dependable carrier, however, can make all the difference during such a stressful time. Knowing that insurance professionals are managing the defense of the claim and that your carrier will be there to fund any settlement or judgment against you is essential for your peace

December 7th, 2018|Law Firm Tips, Swiss Re|

Improving Attorney Wellbeing and Why It is Needed

In 2016, the ABA and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation evaluated 12,825 practicing attorneys and revealed some troubling findings. The study found:

  • 28% experience symptoms of depression
  • 19% experience symptoms of anxiety
  • 23% experience symptoms of stress
  • 21 to 36% experience problematic drinking

The study also found that lawyers younger than 30 years of age and those working in the field for less than

November 1st, 2018|Law Firm Tips, Swiss Re|

Does your Social Media Conduct Violate Professional Rules?

Violations of Social Media Conduct

More and more lawyers are using social media to take advantage of the effortless accessibility to the public. With so many law firms and lawyers participating, it is wise to review the professional conduct rules governing communication and advertising. Understanding the rules while navigating the uncharted waters of social media can make the difference between great marketing and

October 2nd, 2018|Law Firm Tips|

Wire Transfer Schemes Are Becoming More Sophisticated

Protect yourself with a double security protocol and remember to never send a wire based upon an email alone.

Fraudsters continue to successfully misdirect wire transfers by inserting themselves into email exchanges between parties of real estate and other transactions. Sophisticated fraudsters, however, are no longer just hacking a real estate broker or law firm’s computer server to commit this wire fraud. Fraudsters

October 1st, 2018|Cyber Security, Swiss Re|