Join ALPS' Risk Manager, Mark Bassingthwaighte, and Clio's Joshua Lenon as they discuss strategies and tools that lawyers can implement to mitigate common malpractice issues.

1. Top 10 Malpractice
Traps and Tools for
Avoiding Them
#ClioWeb

2. Agenda
1. Introduction
2. Top 10 Malpractice Traps
3. Helpful Tools
4. Questions

3. Introduction
Joshua Lenon, Esq.
Clio
#ClioWeb

4. Malpractice
Lawyers can expect to face
three malpractice claims
over the course of their practices
Source: ABA’s Standing Committ
On Lawyers Professional Liability

5. Malpractice
1. To avoid the financial drain of defending
claims.
2. For the protection of the public.
3. To protect the lawyer’s personal assets
in the event of settlement or judgment.
Source: New Lawyer’s Guide to
Professional Liability Insurance
by Carolyn Elefant

6. Top 10 Malpractice Traps
Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq
ALPS
#ClioWeb

7. Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq.

8. #1 Failure to Know or Properly
Apply the Law
There is no such thing as a simple will or
simple contract.
Don’t overlook the related problem of
inadequate discovery and investigation.
ALPS

9. #2 Failure to Document Scope
• Don’t allow
assumptions to be
in play
• Memories are short
ALPS

10. #3 Missed Deadlines
•
•
•
•
Data Entry Errors
No File Review Dates
No Back-up Calendar
Last Minute Filings
ALPS

11. #4 “Well What We Have Here Is a
Failure to Communicate”
• Don’t overlook the
basics
• Who has employed
who?
ALPS

12. #5 Poorly Managed Client
Relationships
• Every malpractice
claim begins with a
dissatisfied client
• It’s about courtesy,
timeliness,
professionalism &
confidentiality
ALPS

13. #6 Conflict Resolution Missteps
Of course do:
• Establish a conflicts
system and access
early
• Fully disclose all
conflicts, thoroughly
document conflict
discussion and obtain
written consent
But more importantly:
• Develop a Resolution
Process
• If out, out for both
• Don’t minimize the
risks – they’re more
than what meets the
eye!
ALPS

14. #7 Neglecting the Business
• Firm in name only
• We are our partners keepers - MRPC 5.1
– Trust accounts
– LPL apps
– Security
ALPS

15. #8 Forgetting to Take Care of
One’s Self
• The importance of
both balance and
firm culture
• It’s ok to say no
• Delegate
responsibly
• Unplug
ALPS

16. #9 The Mistakes of Comfort
• Comfort in relationships
– Clients
– Staff
– Partners
• Comfort in routines
• Comfort in work product
ALPS

17. #10 A Malpractice Counterclaim in
Response to a Suit for Fees
• Don’t accept clients
who can’t afford the
services
• Call the client
• Take prompt action on
delinquencies
• Objective file review
• Farm out collections
ALPS

18. Helpful Tools
Joshua Lenon, Esq.
Clio
#ClioWeb

19. Ethics Resources
1. State Ethics Opinions
2. Ethics Hotlines & Inquiries

20. Mentors
• Networking Groups
• Social Media Communities
• Local Bar Associations
• Professional Liability Insurers

21. Organization
• Practice management services
• Contact information
• Notes
• Documents
• Calendars
• Tasks

22. Collaboration
• Online Document Generation

23. Communications
• Voice over IP (VOIP)
• Call Forwarding
• Email
• Social Media

24. Finances
• Accounting Services
• Financial Advice
• Payment Processing

25. Backup
• Physical media backups
• Online backup provides offsite
redundancy

26. Questions?
#ClioWeb

27. Thank You
www.goclio.com
@goClio
joshua@goclio.com
@Joshualenon
Smallfirminnovation.com
@SFInnovation