Content Type
Book review – The Lawyer’s Guide to Succession Planning
No one likes to think about getting older, and lawyers may tend to put off thinking about the day they have to retire from the profession they love and the firms they have spent a lifetime building. However, the fact is that there is a wave of Boomers hitting retirement age (90 million in North… Read More »
Categories: 2017 August Managing Change, Articles, Book Review, Content Type, Firm Management, Legal Careers, Solo and Small Firm, Succession PlanningManaging Practice Interruptions
Foresight, along with some planning and preparation beforehand is critical to minimizing the impact of any accident or disaster, large or small. This booklet (Download PDF) provides a comprehensive review of the steps you can take to prepare for unexpected minor and major practice interruptions, and how you should respond to them. It reviews what… Read More »
Categories: Disaster Planning, Managing BookletsGeneric ILA Checklist
A person seeking independent legal advice is as much your client as any other. Resist the temptation to rush or take shortcuts. A lower standard of service is not warranted just because your meeting is brief and you may not see the client again. Remember that a modest $150 independent legal advice (ILA) consultation can… Read More »
Categories: Checklist, Independent Legal AdviceLaw Firm Business Plan Outline
If you want to be successful, you should consider how your law firm will operate well before you open your doors. A business plan is your roadmap to the future – you can show it to banks, suppliers or others whom you deal with when starting your practice. A business plan tells them that you… Read More »
Categories: Finances, PrecedentsLaw Firm Budget Precedent
Budgeting and managing your cash flows are a big part of staying in business. It is an old adage that what gets measured gets done: if you have set out straightforward financial goals and expectations that are to be met within a reasonable timeline, you will be able to judge if you are meeting, exceeding… Read More »
Categories: Finances, PrecedentsManaging the Security and Privacy of Electronic Data in a Law Office
[Note: this booklet was published in 2004. While it still contains valuable content, we refer you to our Cyber Dangers page for a more up-to-date assessment of cyber security issues facing law firms.] Clients, lawyers, and law office staff routinely work with electronic documents and data. Protecting the security and confidentiality of that information is… Read More »
Categories: Cyber dangers, Managing BookletsFranchise Law Malpractice Claims Fact Sheet
Acting on franchise matters can be particularly risky for lawyers. While some franchisors are large multinationals, many are small, relatively unsophisticated businesses. They are running a “mom-and-pop-style” family business; they are usually financially (and more importantly, emotionally) invested in the business, and they have scraped together their life savings to open the franchise. These characteristics… Read More »
Categories: Factsheets, FranchiseIP Malpractice Claims Fact Sheet
Clerical errors are the most common cause of IP claims, representing one third of the claims in this area of law. Missed deadlines are also a very common cause of claims. However, the actual costs of these errors is relatively low as they can sometimes be repaired or there are no damages. The more costly… Read More »
Categories: Factsheets, Intellectual PropertyCorporate/Commercial Malpractice Claims Fact Sheet
While the number of LAWPRO claims involving corporate and commercial law has declined in recent years, the average cost for this type of claim remains the highest of all areas of law. The most common source of corporate/commercial claims are lawyer/client communication issues. Claims occur because there are misunderstandings or when the client’s instructions are… Read More »
Categories: Corporate Law, FactsheetsReal Estate Malpractice Claims Fact Sheet
As the price of real estate in Ontario has steadily risen, so has the dollar value of real estate claims, making it the second most costly area of law for LAWPRO. Breakdown in lawyer/client communication is the most common cause of real estate claims. Busy, high-volume practices often lead to situations where the lawyer does… Read More »
Categories: Factsheets, Real Estate