Tips for Texting and Emailing Clients

Many lawyers are rarely more than arm’s length from their cell phone. Taking a call on the go or sending out a quick email or text are the lifeblood of modern business communications. Yet email and text communications with clients may pose a substantial exposure. These tips for texting and emailing clients can help you manage your risk.

Tips for Texting Legal Clients

Texting offers an immediacy not possible with other means of communication. According to studies, 95% of texts are read within 3 minutes, with responses often sent within 90 seconds. Clients are like all texters in that they often come to expect a quick reply. But there are other factors to consider to reduce your risk of exposure.

1. Avoid Incomplete Answers Via Text

It’s best to avoid quick but […]

April 2nd, 2020|

10 Loss Prevention Tips for Attorneys

From clear communication to proper documentation, there are many ways you can prevent malpractice claims and the associated loss at your firm. Consider implementing these loss prevention tips at your firm:

Be Prepared

  1. Document

Good file management is critical to avoiding malpractice claims due to poor attorney/client relations. Document the file at the beginning of the relationship and throughout the relationship.

  1. Focus on the Workplace

Like any business, a law firm is susceptible to a damaged reputation caused by poor employee morale, work/life balance issues or erratic behavior by staff or attorneys. Oversight of associates and support staff is critical. Watch for signs of excessive stress, alcohol or drug abuse, mental illness or lapses in concentration.

  1. Don’t Assume You Won’t Get Sued

Malpractice claims can happen to any practicing attorney. Reduce […]

April 16th, 2019|

How to Send a Proper Engagement Letter

An engagement letter is a contract between you and your client. Each new client or project, big or small, should start with an engagement letter that is signed by all associated parties. These letters can be used as binding contracts in the event of fee disputes, collection issues and more. Overall, this documentation delivers peace of mind and security to both parties.

Why send an engagement letter?

 First and foremost, an engagement letter sets expectations for both parties. Your client will know exactly what to expect from you, as well as what is expected of them. This can help prevent misunderstandings and should strengthen the relationship down the road.

In the rare event of a dispute between you and your client, the legally binding engagement letter can serve as the […]

November 13th, 2018|

5 Reasons Small Law Firms Need Professional Liability Coverage

Professional liability insurance is critical piece of protection for small and large firms alike. In the event a malpractice claim is filled against your firm, a professional liability policy will help cover the cost of certain legal fees, and judgments or settlements your firm may face.

  1. The odds
    Even if your practice is small and you are extremely diligent in your work, your firm can be sued. Though you may work in a space where “everyone knows everyone” and you trust that your clients would never sue your firm, you truly never know. An estimated 4-17% of lawyers are sued each year, and of all reported malpractice claims, 70% are made against firms with fewer than five attorneys.
  2. Peace of mind
    An error-free representation does not mean you are free from […]

June 4th, 2018|