I’ve had numerous clients over the years email me and ask me for advice about a situation, incident or potential claim that has arisen with a lawyer in the firm and whether they should report that as a claim. Here’s my advice to the firm. First, I’m always going to make sure you refer to […]
Ames & Gough provided results of its eighth annual survey of legal malpractice survey. They polled nine of the leading professional liability insurance companies: AXIS, CAN, Huntersure, Ironshore, Markel, Travelers, Swiss Re, QBE, and XL/Catlin. Altogether, they insure approximately 80 percent of the 200 highest grossing law firms in the United States. Conflicts of interest […]
Most lawyers don’t even know the hammer clause is tucked away deep, somewhere within the wording of their policy. It’s usually under the defense and settlement clause or provision in the policy. Most professional liability policies contain a “hard hammer” consent to settle clause. This clause forces the insured to comply with the insurance carrier’s […]
Owning or running a law firm is no easy task. There are virtually dozens of difficult decisions to be made on a daily basis. Overseeing your attorneys, staff, and making sure your clients are happy are just some of the daily difficulties that goes along with running a successful law firm. Often those in charge […]
It is an unfortunate reality for a great deal of lawyers that malpractice claims have simply become part of the “cost of doing business,” and regardless of the steps that some lawyers take, they may still end up as a defendant in a legal malpractice claim. But following the guidance below should reduce — and […]
In February 2014, the Supreme Court appointed an ad hoc committee to address the questions of whether attorneys should disclose to clients and report on the annual registration statement whether they carry professional liability insurance; whether such a client disclosure requirement would unfairly burden small firms and solo practitioners; whether such a disclosure requirement is […]
The answer might seem obvious, but there are many reasons why a lawyer should purchase professional liability insurance. You spent so much time and money investing in the opportunity to become an attorney. You went to law school and then all the time you spent prepping for the Bar. You passed and became a practicing […]
If your personal or professional assets were damaged during Hurricane Harvey, it’s likely that you have started the process of filing an insurance claim to cover the replacement of those items. Beyond calling the insurance company to get started, there are many things you need to know and strategies you can put in place to […]
Do’s, Dont’s and Nuances You May Not Be Aware of Whether you are a solo practitioner or managing partner at a law firm, you’ve made the wise decision to purchase lawyers’ professional liability (LPL) insurance, often referred to as malpractice insurance, to protect your firm from suits arising from your professional services as an attorney. […]
