Malpractice Errors
Managing 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 BookletsCybersecurity Handbook: A Resource for Attorneys, Law Firms, and Business Professionals
Jill D. Rhodes and Vincent I. Polley, published 2013, 299 pages The ABA Cybersecurity Handbook: A Resource for Attorneys, Law Firms and Business Professionals provides practical cyber threat information, guidance, and strategies to lawyers and law firms of all sizes. The guide considers the interrelationship between lawyer and client, establishing what legal responsibilities and professional… Read More »
Categories: Book, Cyber dangers, Disaster Planning, Fraud, Legal TechnologyHow To Do More in Less Time
Allison C Shields & Daniel J Siegel, published 2014, 288 pages Many lawyers work long hours and still do not have enough time to complete all their work–let alone tackle the business aspects of their job, such as marketing, business development, or strategic planning. It’s a common problem and learning how to juggle the work… Read More »
Categories: Book, Firm Management, Time ManagementManaging 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 BookletsLimitation Period Resources
Missing a limitation period is a lawyer’s nightmare. Although most claims are subject to the 2 year limitation period set out in the Limitations Act, 2002, there are over 40 statutes that impose limitation periods in Ontario. LAWPRO has developed several resources to help lawyers navigate Ontario’s limitations periods and notice periods. The Limitations and… Read More »
Categories: Limitation PeriodsILA for Domestic Contracts Checklist
This checklist is designed specifically for domestic contracts. 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… Read More »
Categories: Checklist, Independent Legal AdviceClient 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 ErrorsFraud Alert: Email funds transfer fraud targeting Ontario lawyers
LAWPRO has received multiple reports of an email funds transfer fraud targeting Ontario lawyers. Given the similarity of the conversations and the email addresses that are being used, we believe it is the same individual(s) behind this fraud and that there are other firms that have been targeted today, and over the last few weeks…. Read More »
Categories: Alerts, Fraud5 year rolling administrative dismissal date: Rule 48 after January 1, 2017
LawPRO reminds lawyers that on a rolling basis beginning January 1, 2017, matters commenced on or after January 1, 2012 will be automatically dismissed five years after they were commenced. Remember, the courts will dismiss actions without sending notices of any type to parties or their lawyers. Update internal firm systems to tickle all relevant… Read More »
Categories: 2017 February Neuroscience, Admin dismissals/Rule 48, Areas of Law, Civil Litigation, LAWPRO Magazine, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type, Personal injury, Practice Tips, Time ManagementReduce 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 Type