Articles
Common practice pitfalls: And how to avoid them
Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company (LAWPRO) was created to insure lawyers against legal malpractice claims. Most claims are brought by a lawyer’s own client and include an allegation that the lawyer made a mistake or did not meet the standard of care expected of him or her when delivering legal services. No lawyer is immune to… Read More »
Categories: Articles, Communications Errors, Inadequate Investigation, Student, Student Issue, Time ManagementLAWPRO is not like your auto insurer
In my more than 20 years of defending lawyers on malpractice claims, I continue to be amazed at how little some lawyers seem to know about the “LAWPRO policy” and how a claim is handled. I am also frustrated by how often lawyers have not done even the simplest things that could help them avoid… Read More »
Categories: 2018 Student Issue 6, Articles, Content Type, Errors & Omissions, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type, LAWPRO policy, Student, Student Issue, TopicsStudent to lawyer: 20 tips for a successful transition
There isn’t a magic formula for mapping out a career in law. You will make some decisions on where you would like to go, but there are many things outside your control which will impact where you end up. Factors such as economic conditions, personal circumstances, and even a bit of luck will affect the… Read More »
Categories: Articles, New Lawyers, Student, Student IssueLegal podcasts: Because you can’t review a brief while commuting
It can be difficult to stay up-to-date on new developments and ideas in the practice of law when there is already so much to do in the day. Subscribing to interesting and educational legal podcasts can keep you informed as well as entertained (especially during a long commute). Here are four current podcasts that can… Read More »
Categories: Articles, Student IssueThe Member Assistance Program
Many students and lawyers find themselves confronting mental health and wellness issues during their career. If you find yourself dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction, or other mental health or wellness concerns, know that you’re not alone. The Ontario Member Assistance Program (“MAP”) operated by Homewood Health provides resources and counselling at no cost to Ontario… Read More »
Categories: Articles, Student Issue, Wellness, WellnessA place for every email and every email in its place: Improving your inbox organization
In a modern law firm, it is not uncommon for the bulk of a file to be located in the lawyer’s inbox. This includes records of client instructions, agreements between counsel, strategy discussions, and scheduling confirmations. This can also include attachments and documents circulated between lawyers and clients that are sometimes never stored in a… Read More »
Categories: Articles, Legal Technology, Student Issue, Tech TipsPhishing scams: Be the one that got away
Phishing involves the use of an email, text message or phone call that appears to come from a trusted source or institution, vendor or company, but is actually from a third-party impostor. Phishing messages are intended to trick you into giving fraudsters your information by asking you to update or confirm personal or online account… Read More »
Categories: Articles, Cyber dangers, Student Issue, Tech TipsCommunicating like its 1876: The continuing importance of telephone skills for lawyers
When the Western Union Telegraph Co. famously declined to purchase the telephone patent from Alexander Graham Bell, it was allegedly because they wondered why anyone would want to use such a frivolous and impractical device when a clear and concise written message could just as easily be sent by telegraph. This assessment seems less absurd… Read More »
Categories: Articles, Communications Errors, Content Type, Features, Law students/new lawyers, Student IssueWhat new lawyers need to know about LAWPRO’s mandatory professional liability insurance
These FAQs answer some of the more common questions we hear from newly-called lawyers. The answers will help you determine if you need insurance coverage (or whether you’re exempt) and the steps you need to take to get your LAWPRO insurance coverage in place. What is professional liability insurance? Professional liability insurance is designed to… Read More »
Categories: Articles, LAWPRO policy, Student, Student IssueLife after graduation: Reflections from LAWPRO students on moving from law school to the legal profession
Even after three years of law school, the articling or LPP experience can be an unfamiliar landscape. New graduates are faced with myriad choices affecting their future, and there are many new skills to learn in a short amount of time. But the first months of a new legal career are also an opportunity to… Read More »
Categories: Articles, Law students/new lawyers, New Lawyers, Student Issue