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Challenges and Opportunities for New Lawyers

David Nersessian and Maureen O'Rourke

These are challenging times to be a lawyer. They may even be transformational times. Recent upheavals in financial, industrial and real estate markets have many lawyers (and clients) not only cutting back, but also fundamentally re-thinking their business models and the ways in which legal services are provided. (Read More)

Do You Have a Backup Plan?

Swiss Re E&O Edge

Having and documenting a back up plan may help protect you from malpractice claims. (Read More)

Malpractice Insurance for the Law Firm Professional

Jack Kukowski, USI Affinity (Read Jack's bio)

Why do insurance companies ask the questions they do? What is “underwriting”? And what does it have to do with paying my claim? I am a good lawyer, so why are my malpractice insurance premiums so high? This article attempts to answer some of these questions and to help you better understand your professional liability insurance needs as a solo or small firm practitioner. (Read More)

Best Practices for Electronic Communications

Swiss Re E&O Edge

In our internet age, we are bombarded with new technology and may tend to take internet use for granted, assuming that “everyone knows the rules”. However, we’ve also all seen lawsuits arise out of internet platforms. Every time a law firm reaches out to the public, the same caution must be exercised, no matter the venue. (Read More)

Hazards of changing your E&O carrier

Swiss Re E&O Edge

In today’s economy we are looking for ways to save money but not change our lifestyle. There are many costs to running a law firm and the professional liability policy is a significant expenditure. You may be tempted to change insurance carriers to save premium dollars but changing carriers could end up changing your lifestyle. Each policy’s provisions must be carefully reviewed and evaluated. (Read More)

Protect yourself by complying with ethical rules when sharing office space

Swiss Re E&O Edge

There are ethical rules and opinions in each state that implicate office sharing arrangements. The reason for this is because it is easy to violate the rules in a shared office space. (Read More)

Risk Management Tip of the Month

Brought to you by Westport Insurance Corporation, a Swiss Reinsurance America company

August 2009 - Are you unintentionally holding yourself out as the partner
of another lawyer or law firm?

May 2009 - Do you have procedures for screening prospective clients?

March 2009 - Thinking about destroying old files?

January 2009 - What if a former client asks you to sign an agreement tolling the statute of limitations on a possible legal malpractice claim against you?

November 2008 - Do you take on clients who have unrealistic expectations?