Content Type
Wills & 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, PrecedentsPost-Matter Client Service Survey Precedent
A post-matter client survey is one of the best ways to collect information about what clients think about the services you provide to them. Make sure your survey is structured to help you identify specific areas for improvement. Ideally, it should include some open-ended questions. For major or top-billing clients, consider sending a managing partner… Read More »
Categories: PrecedentsSuccessful Lawyer: Powerful Strategies for Transforming Your Practice
Gerald A. Riskin, published 2005 (available as 256 page book or 6 audio CDs, 330 mins) Global management consultant and trusted advisor to many of the world’s largest law firms, Gerry Riskin goes beyond simple concept or theory and delivers a book packed with practical advice that you can implement right away. By using the… Read More »
Categories: Book, Firm Management, Legal Careers, Solo and Small FirmHow to Start and Build a Law Practice Platinum 5th Edition
Jay G. Foonberg, published 2004, 704 pages This classic ABA bestseller has been used by tens of thousands of lawyers as the comprehensive guide to planning, launching, and growing a successful practice. It’s packed with over 600 pages of guidance on identifying the right location, finding clients, setting fees, managing your office, maintaining an ethical… Read More »
Categories: Book, Finances, Firm Management, Legal Careers, Marketing, Solo and Small Firm