OBLIC news, events and updates.

Whether and how to use AI in the practice of law continues to be an emerging issue. Recognizing that this technology has potential for profound impact on the legal system and the practice of law, the Supreme Court of Ohio recently released its Artificial Intelligence Resource Library.    The Court provides this library to serve […]

The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility released its third Formal Opinion of 2025: Formal Opinion 516, Terminating Client Representation Under MRPC 1.16(b)(1): What “Material Adverse Effects” Prevent Permissive Withdrawal? This opinion provides guidance on Model Rule 1.16(b)(1), which is parallel to Ohio’s Rule, on permissive withdrawal from representation. In particular, […]

Cybersecurity concerns remain high and attorneys insured by OBLIC can take proactive steps to protect themselves, their firms, and their clients.  Now is a great time to explore the trainings, articles, and sample policies offered through our website. Visit the Cyber Risk Management page and click the “Cyber Toolbox” button to access these invaluable resources. […]

OBLIC team members attended the ABA National Legal Malpractice Spring Conference in Charlotte, NC in early April. The conference kicked off with a session on legal professional liability risks on the horizon. With a panel representative of both professional liability carriers and private practitioners, the session identified claim trends and sought to anticipate and prepare […]

In early April, the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct issued its first two Advisory Opinions of the year. Last week’s article discussed Advisory Opinion 2025-1 regarding the confidential nature of uncertified grievance complaints and investigations. This article addresses Advisory Opinion 2025-2, Acquiring Mortgage Against Client’s Real Property to Secure Legal Fee.  Advisory Opinion 2025-2 reviews […]

The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct issued its first advisory opinions of the year in early April: 2025-1 and 2025-2. This article discusses 2025-1 and next week’s article discusses 2025-2. Advisory Opinion 2025-1 re-examines the question of whether an attorney can disclose in an affidavit for disqualification the existence of a disciplinary grievance filed against […]

On March 5, 2025, the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility issued Formal Opinion 515 A Lawyer’s Discretion to Report When a Client Commits a Crime Against the Lawyer or Against Someone Associated with, or Related to, the Lawyer. This Opinion presented four hypothetical situations where a lawyer is a victim of a […]

Lawyers’ fees vary significantly, impacted by geographic location, firm size and prestige, area of law, and other factors. In 2024, according to ALM Global, hourly rates reached a peak of over $2,400. However, Statistica reports that the national average falls between $200 and $400, consistent with average rates seen across Ohio. This indicates a wide […]

Questions about conflicts of interest are frequently asked through the Loss Prevention Hotline. While every situation is unique, this post presents steps to take for your conflicts check.  USE A CLIENT INQUIRY FORM Always use a standard form to ensure that you collect the information you need for your conflicts check, without obtaining disqualifying information […]

You’ve received a request for a former client’s file. While your first reaction may be a groan, we hope the tips in this week’s email provide guidance that can simplify the process.  Who is making the request? What is the status of the file? How to assemble documents to satisfy the request? What should I […]