Valuable resources for
our valued policyholders.
Reminder About New CLE Rules
As first reported in the July/August issue of MALPRACTICE ALERT!, changes to Rule X of the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio and the Government of the Judiciary of Ohio for CLE requirements went into effect on January 1, 2014. Attorneys and judges whose last names begin with M to Z, whose […]
New Rule Requires Mental-Health Reporting
In the wake of the death of a Clark County Sheriff’s deputy, Suzanne Hopper, who was killed in 2011 by a man with a criminal history who had been conditionally released from a mental health institution, the Ohio Supreme Court adopted Rule 95 and Form 95 to the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of […]
Professionalism “Dos and Don’ts” Series Continues
The Ohio Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism issued the fourth in its series of best practices publications to promote professionalism among Ohio’s lawyers. The latest publication is “Professionalism Dos and Don’ts: Conduct of Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys.” The publication notes that “[t]he integrity of our criminal justice system depends, in large part, upon the professionalism […]
OBLIC Presents Online CLE Course
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
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?
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
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
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?
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
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 […]
