OBLIC news, events and updates.

OBLIC policyholders who call our loss prevention hotline often pose questions concerning how to collect overdue legal fees from clients. The best answer is to avoid getting into such a position in the first place. One way to avoid this predicament is to discuss your legal fees and other costs associated with your representation upfront […]

OBLIC policyholders who call our loss prevention hotline often pose questions concerning whether or not to undertake or continue representation in a variety of circumstances. Let’s look at some of these situations. Check scams Inquiries about accepting representation frequently involve an email from a purported out-of-state client prospect, often representing themselves in a way that […]

In the second of this three-part series, this article focuses on important steps to creating and maintaining a steady and thorough line of communication when representing a client. A key thing to consider is that roughly one third of all legal malpractice claims arise out of poor attorney-client communications. Whether a seasoned attorney who might […]

Topics previously discussed in OBLICAlerts are the subject of two recent opinions by the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct. These Opinions provide further guidance on the information in Hotline Questions: Conflicts of Interest and Common Questions: Firm Names Following Amendment of Rule 7.5. Opinion 2020-10 Law Firm Concurrent Representation of Adverse Clients in the Same […]

COVID-19 has definitely raised the bar for law firm cyber security. As practicing lawyers work remotely, attend court hearings and meet with clients virtually, and with a significant spike in cyber attacks since the beginning of this pandemic, the need to have appropriate safeguards to protect client confidential data is of extreme importance. OBLIC’s Cyber […]

Recognizing that the best ways to avoid COVID-19 change frequently and that Ohio business owners are unsure about what tort liability they may face, the Ohio General Assembly enacted H.B 606. Governor Mike DeWine signed it into law on September 14, 2020. The law takes effect in 90 days and applies to acts, omissions, conduct, […]

With many courts operating remotely or with social distancing guidelines, trial attorneys face new challenges. Here are some guidelines to keep things moving forward. Remember the basics! Undertaking representation for a potential litigation client begins with a solid conflicts of interest check. After clearing your conflicts check, use a good client intake process and conduct […]

Figuring out your CLE reporting can be challenging anytime, but especially during these COVID times.  You may have heard that the Supreme Court did something to address the CLE situation, but you aren’t quite sure what it was and how it works.  Here’s the information you need! First, don’t mistake the requirement to report your […]

OBLIC commonly fields questions concerning withdrawing from representation. These questions typically arise from three scenarios: The client is not paying bills; The client is not listening to advice; The client threatened to fire the insured.  These situations fall within the provisions of Rule 1.16(b) of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. For a client who […]

OBLIC commonly receives questions about law firm name requirements and restrictions. In Ohio, law firm naming conventions have been regulated through the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.5: Firm Names and Letterheads.   Changes in the Rule This Rule was amended effective June 17, 2020 to remove the prior prohibition of practicing under a […]