Communications Errors
No conviction doesn’t mean no consequences: What are the implications of criminal investigation for your clients?
For a client charged with a criminal offence, the dismissal of charges (or acquittal at trial) can be a source of immense relief. For many accused, the elation of avoiding conviction can feel like a new beginning. As a criminal lawyer, it can be difficult to throw cold water on those feelings of elation. However,… Read More »
Categories: Communications Errors, Criminal LawReflections on technology changes in real estate practice
Facilitating transfers of real estate has been the bread-and-butter of thousands of Ontario lawyers for generations. Despite occasional market wobbles, real estate business has helped firms to flourish in communities of all sizes, often supporting the delivery of family, estates, commercial and even criminal law services. Healthy real estate practices support both lawyers’ own families… Read More »
Categories: 2017 August Managing Change, Areas of Law, Articles, Clerical / Delegation, Communications Errors, Cyber dangers, Features, Inadequate Investigation, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type, Legal Technology, Real Estate, Time Management, TopicsLitigation claims on the rise
In recent years, the growth in civil litigation claims has outstripped the overall growth in claims. For example, from 2006 through 2010 LAWPRO received an average of 708 civil litigation claims each year, and during 2011 through 2015, the average increased to 948 each year. This growth of 34 per cent vastly exceeds the 7… Read More »
Categories: 2017 August Managing Change, Admin dismissals/Rule 48, Areas of Law, Articles, Civil Litigation, Communications Errors, Content Type, Dabbling, Features, Inadequate Investigation, LAWPRO Magazine, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type, Limitation Periods, Time ManagementThe mysterious magic of routines
As a child, did you step carefully over every sidewalk crack? Tap each post of the hockey net before settling into the crease? Wear your lucky socks to every law school exam? Even those of us who scorn superstition rely on routines and rituals for our own protection: we swallow a daily multivitamin, fasten our… Read More »
Categories: 2017 August Managing Change, Articles, Communications Errors, Content Type, LAWPRO Magazine, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type, Practice Tips, TopicsManaging the Lawyer / Client Relationship
Poor communication and failings in the lawyer/client relationship are the most frequent cause of legal malpractice claims. These failures include inadequate client case screening, poor communication and insufficient systems, trails and record keeping. This booklet (Download PDF) will help you better understand the critical dynamics of your interactions with clients.
Categories: Communications Errors, Managing BookletsClient Trial Preparation Checklist
Prepare your client for the ups and downs of trial with this customizable checklist, which covers topics to discuss with your client, including process, timing, outcomes, risks and costs. From managing emotions to the day-to-day workings of a trial, the checklist covers important topics to discuss with your client in preparation for trial. Below are… Read More »
Categories: Checklist, Civil Litigation, Communications ErrorsReduce communication-related claims by understanding cognitive bias
Understanding cognitive biases can help reduce communication-related claims, which are the biggest source of malpractice claims. While many cognitive biases are dealt with by following some common sense principles, others are not as obvious. From anchoring effect to decision fatigue, knowing how your client makes decisions can help you build rapport with your clients, effectively… Read More »
Categories: 2017 February Neuroscience, Communications Errors, Features, Inadequate Investigation, LAWPRO Magazine, LAWPRO Magazine Article TypeCommon practice pitfalls: How to avoid them
Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company (LawPRO) was created to insure lawyers against legal malpractice claims. Most (though not all) 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 when delivering legal services. No lawyer is immune to a… Read More »
Categories: 2017 Student Issue No 5, Admin dismissals/Rule 48, Articles, Communications Errors, Features, Inadequate Investigation, Law students/new lawyers, Time ManagementLimited scope representation: With the right safeguards, possibilities abound
A self-represented family law litigant anxiously prepares for a hearing, which can resolve months, if not years, of anxiety, and determine the litigant’s financial and family affairs in the near future. Retaining a lawyer from cradle to grave is out of budget for this litigant. What to do? Relief is around the corner – a… Read More »
Categories: 2016 September A2J, Access to Justice, Articles, Civil Litigation, Communications Errors, Family, Features, Inadequate Investigation, Limited scope retainer/unbundlingCommon practice pitfalls: How to avoid them
Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company (LAWPRO) was created to insure lawyers against legal malpractice claims. Most (though not all) 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… Read More »
Categories: 2016 Student Issue 4, Articles, Communications Errors, Failure to Know The Law, Inadequate Investigation, Law students/new lawyers, Limitation Periods, New Lawyers, Time Management