Five Common Lawyering Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them
The types of errors that most often result in claims or grievances against Wisconsin lawyers are easy to commit but also relatively simple to avert, with good practice management and attention to detail.
Caution: Consumer Protection Law Is Complex
Entire practices can be built on the prosecution of consumer protection, but lawyers doing this complex work should be as careful as buyers wish they had been before their purchases went bad.
When Mistakes Occur, Honesty is the Best (Noninsurance) Policy
How to resolve a potential error might not be obvious, but one thing is always 100 percent clear: covering up the mistake is wrong.
Collections Work: Not for Dabblers
Use great care with collections cases, or you’ll run the risk of collecting a malpractice claim from a debtor whose rights you’ve violated.
Engagement Letters – Protection You Don’t Want to Live Without
Engagement letters are vital to good representation because clients who are well informed from the start are more likely to be satisfied at the end.
Document Everything: It’s Vital to Managing Risk
Anything you don’t write down can be used against you. If an unhappy client decides to challenge the results of litigation, a transaction, or some other aspect of a representation, you don’t want to be caught with your head in the sand.
Top 2016 Malpractice Claims: Resolve to Reduce Risk
Looking back to what went wrong for some Wisconsin lawyers in 2016 might help you avoid making those same errors or similar ones in 2017.
Family Law Practice – Beware the Danger Signs
Family law has become a more hazardous practice area for Wisconsin lawyers, at least as measured by one insurer’s record-keeping. Learn more about the dangers so you can increase the likelihood of having satisfied clients who understand their cases and willingly pay your fees.
Malpractice Trends: Claims Decline with Proper Technology Use
An ABA study shows technology innovations may be helping lawyers reduce administrative errors, but risk management is still important. If technology is not used properly, or if lawyers’ record-keeping is sloppy, a malpractice claim might be just around the corner.
Give TLC to Clients: Respond ASAP to Security Breaches
As with many types of emergencies, planning what you’ll do if cyber criminals attack your firm will also reduce the likelihood of being hacked in the first place.