Content Type
IP 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 EstateWills & Estates Malpractice Claims Fact Sheet
Malpractice claims in wills and estates practice have increased steadily over the last decade, nearly doubling in frequency. Communications issues (often at the time the will is drafted) are the biggest source of these claims. Too many lawyers are not truly listening to the client’s instructions and not probing and questioning the client to uncover… Read More »
Categories: Factsheets, Wills & EstatesFamily Law Malpractice Claims Fact Sheet
Given the stress and emotions involved in their matters, family law clients can be among the most difficult to deal with. Many have unrealistic expectations regarding the process, timing, costs, and potential outcomes of their matters. You can significantly reduce your claims exposure by confirming in writing the information your client provides to you, your… Read More »
Categories: Factsheets, FamilyManaging the Finances of Your Practice
Taking an active role in managing the finances of your practice is key to building a successful law practice. Foresight, active planning, appropriate internal controls, and an ongoing review of current finances are critical if your practice is to be successful and profitable. This booklet (Download PDF) reviews the steps you can take to better… Read More »
Categories: Finances, Managing BookletsManaging a Mentoring Relationship
This booklet (Download PDF) provides practical advice and guidelines on how both mentors and mentees or protégées can build mentoring relationships that are productive and successful. It also explains the guidelines under which LAWPRO will waive surcharges on claims made against lawyers acting as mentors in a mentoring relationship. Find a mentor or mentee: Many… Read More »
Categories: Managing Booklets, MentoringManaging the Practice of Investing in Clients
The practice of lawyers investing in clients’ businesses is current and growing. Past experience with this type of activity (which includes taking equity positions in the form of shares of stock) has taught us that this practice raises significant issues which need to be managed. This booklet (Download PDF) will explain the issues you should… Read More »
Categories: Conflicts of Interest, Ethics, Finances, Managing BookletsManaging Conflict of Interest Situations
Conflicts of interest can be potential or actual, obvious or hidden, anticipated or unexpected, direct or imputed. Conflicts of interest can surface before the lawyer is retained or sometime during the retainer. This booklet (Download PDF) will show how to better manage this risk by identifying, checking for and managing conflict of interest situations.
Categories: Conflicts of Interest, Managing BookletsModel Technology Usage Policy
This model policy is a supplement to LAWPRO Magazine: Cybercrime and law firms, published December 2013. This Technology Usage Policy precedent discusses the appropriate use of computing and information resources. 1. Computer Security Users must not share their accounts or passwords with others, and are only authorized to use their own accounts to access… Read More »
Categories: Legal Technology, Precedents