Cautionary Tale: Avoiding the #1 Cause for Claims
In the legal profession, every decision carries weight. One misstep can lead to a malpractice claim that not only impacts your career but also your clients. With the inherent complications of law there are several issues that may arise – but year over year, both nationally and here in Oklahoma, calendar- and deadline-related issues are […]
Read More
Assumptions: A Cautionary Tale for Oklahoma Lawyers
You know what they say about assumptions, but in the legal profession, assumptions are something much worse. When lawyers assume they know what their clients want or need without actually verifying, it can lead to misunderstandings, which can ultimately lead to malpractice claims. We’ve emphasized the importance of clear communication and thorough understanding in every […]
Read More
Understanding Extended Reporting Endorsements (Tail Coverage)
Protecting yourself from claims related to past work is just as important as covering future work. One key is an extended reporting endorsement (ERE), more commonly referred to as tail coverage. Tail coverage can be a vital safety net when your regular policy is no longer active. Here’s an in-depth look at how tail coverage […]
Read More
A Guide to Succession Planning for Lawyers
Succession planning is a crucial facet of any law firm. As accomplished attorneys approach retirement or an attorney faces a sudden change in the ability to continue to practice law, having a well-conceived plan in place safeguards the continuity of the attorney’s practice and sustains client confidence. In a law firm setting, succession planning comprises […]
Read More
Avoiding the Unintended Client
Handling the ramifications of and sidestepping situations arising from an unintended client is an ethical obligation. Attorneys are often presented with questions from friends, family members, business acquaintances, or even strangers through firm websites and social media. However, these raise a real risk. Sometimes in these settings, the attorney will fall into an unintended attorney-client […]
Read More
Client Engagement Letter: ‘Why Not?’
I am still amazed when firms say they don’t use an engagement letter, or don’t use one most of the time, especially on repeat business with a client. My response is usually, “Why not?” After all, the letter can be pretty much boilerplate, so we are not talking about a huge effort in crafting something […]
Read More
Safeguard Your Practice in Uncertain Times
History has shown that stressful economic times leads to a higher number of legal malpractice claims. For example, following the 2008 recession, legal malpractice claims in the U.S. rose sharply. Theories abound as to why this is the case. Reasons for a recent increase may include changes to court rules and procedures related to COVID, […]
Read More
Top 5 Ways to Mitigate a Charge of Discrimination
This resource has been written by guest author Katherine Mazaheri. Ms. Mazaheri is an Oklahoma trial lawyer who regularly represents plaintiff employees in all areas of employment law, including litigation in state and federal courts, in mediation, before administrative agencies such as the EEOC, Department of Labor and Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. She also trains […]
Read More
10 Tips for Avoiding the Scariest Thing in the World
For most lawyers, horror movie villains and things that go bump in the night can’t hold a candle to the heart-stopping, terrifying thought of a malpractice claim (or even a bar complaint). Because, while werewolves or menacing grifters chase unsuspecting teens through dark forests and haunted hallways, the sun eventually always comes up and the […]
Read More
Know the Risks: Being On Your Client’s Board of Directors
It can be very gratifying, both personally and monetarily, to be asked to serve on a client’s board of directors. It is also easy to understand why a client might make the request. The attorney may have worked closely with the company’s founders to create the business and will likely have a solid grasp of […]
Read More