Valuable resources for
our valued policyholders.

Below are articles, presentations and other resources that we found to be insightful and think could be incredibly helpful for our current policyholders.
OBLIC Presents Online CLE Course
Posted on February 17th, 2014

OBLIC partnered with the Ohio State Bar Association to present Grace Under Pressure:  Dealing With Difficult Clients, Attorneys and Judges. This online self-studyprovides 2.5 hours of CLE to address ethics and professionalism issues attorneys face with challenges from clients, attorneys and judges that complicate the representation.  Often the situation engenders avoidance or illogical communication.  This […]

Update on Internet Scams
Posted on February 15th, 2014

Ohio Disciplinary Counsel Scott Drexel warned of the dangers of email scams for attorneys in a recent article, “How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Email Scams.” You may read the article and watch the video on the Ohio Supreme Court website at www.sconet.state.oh.us. Click on CNO to view the article under January 23, 2014. […]

What Do I Do with Closed Client Files?
Posted on June 1st, 2013

This is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive at OBLIC as Director of Loss Prevention. There is not a simple answer to the question. This entire issue of Malpractice Alert is dedicated to providing guidance on the topic. My thanks to Jonathan Coughlan, Disciplinary Counsel , Supreme Court of Ohio, Michelle Hall, […]

How to Catch and Keep Clients: Ethically Using Social Media
Posted on March 9th, 2013

Presentation Details: Ohio State Bar Association Annual Convention in Cleveland, Ohio on May 9, 2013
Authors/Presenters: Terrie Wheeler, MBC (Professional Services Marketing, LLC), Alvin E. Mathews, JD (James E. Arnold & Associates, LPA)
How to Catch and Keep Clients: Ethically Using Social Media to Market Your Law Practice

Current Social Media Trends and Statistics
Lawyer Advertising Cases
Social Media Best Practices for Lawyers
How Lawyers Get into Trouble with Advertising
Tips for Compliance
Using LinkedIn to Market Your Practice
Other Considerations

OBLIC has published this document or multimedia piece as a malpractice avoidance tool. We hope the use of these materials will help Ohio attorneys avoid potential legal malpractice problems and serve as a tool for building and maintaining strong, professional law practices. The content has been carefully researched and checked. However, this document or multimedia piece should not be relied upon as a substitute for full examination of the law and your own professional judgment. You may need to revise the procedures to meet your specific practice needs. This information is for loss prevention purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice in place of your own independent professional and business judgment.

Letterhead Questions Answered
Posted on January 4th, 2013

With each renewal application, OBLIC requires a sample of the current letterhead. While OBLIC is not the “ethics police,” we want to assist our policyholders in complying with the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rules 7.1 and 7.5. Rule 7.1 requires that “[A] lawyer shall not make or use a false, misleading, or nonverifiable […]

Are You In Compliance With IRS Section 6050W?
Posted on January 4th, 2013

In response to that question, you may well ask, “What is IRS Section 6050W and what does it have to do with me?” If you don’t accept credit cards, you can stop reading now. If you do accept credit card payments, you should be aware that Section 3091(a) of the Housing Assistance Tax Act of […]

Board Opinion Provides Guidance For Ohio Lawyers On Non-recourse Civil Litigation Advance Contracts
Posted on January 4th, 2013

Opinion 2012-3, issued by the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline of the Ohio Supreme Court on December 7, 2012, sets out the ethical obligations for Ohio lawyers if a client pursues a non-recourse civil litigation advance regulated by Ohio Revised Code 1349.55. First, the Opinion advises that Ohio lawyers may inform clients of […]

Reduction From 15 Years To 8 Years For Statute Of Limitations On Written Contracts
Posted on January 4th, 2013

To make Ohio a more competitive state, the Ohio General Assembly amended Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.06 to reduce the statute of limitations for written contracts in Ohio from 15 years to 8 years. For claims accruing prior to the effective date of the change, September 28, 2012, the 15-year limitation period will generally remain […]

Professionalism Series Premiered
Posted on January 4th, 2013

The Ohio Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism recently released the first in a series of “best practices” publications called Professionalism Dos and Don’ts. The initial publication topic is “Depositions” and provides tips for a lawyer scheduling, conducting or attending a deposition. The Commission hopes the series will promote professionalism among Ohio lawyers. You may access […]

Scams Continue To Bombard Attorney Emails
Posted on January 4th, 2013

OBLIC policyholders are informing us that they continue to receive scam email requests from foreign entities or individuals to assist these potential “clients” in collecting a debt. The scam usually requires the attorney to receive or accept a “check” from a corporation or individual, deposit the “check” in the attorney’s own bank account, deduct the […]