OBLIC news, events and updates.

This is a continuing series in which we address policy coverage questions that we routinely discuss with you and your colleagues. The answers provided are based on the basic policy form, currently LPLP-1t; refer to your specific policy and any endorsements attached thereto that may change coverage or the answers provided. As you should expect, […]

Two recent decisions by the Ohio Supreme Court in disciplinary cases discuss lawyers’ ethical duties to supervise nonlawyers employed by the lawyer.  Ohio Rule of Professional Conduct 5.3:  Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants provides guidance for these ethical duties. Rule 5.3 (a) provides that a lawyer with managerial authority in a law firm or government agency […]

The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct recently issued two advisory opinions on lawyer advertising.  Online advertising is discussed in Opinion 2021-04 Competitive Keyword Online Advertising.  Advertising as a specialist is addressed in Opinion 2021-05 Communication of a Lawyer Specialization in a Field of Law Not Designated by the Supreme Court. Opinion 2021-04 Competitive Keyword Online […]

This is a continuing series in which we address policy coverage questions that we  routinely discuss with you and your colleagues. The answers provided are based on the basic policy form, currently LPLP-1t; refer to your specific policy and any endorsements attached thereto that may change coverage or the answers provided. As you should expect, […]

As COVID restrictions are lifted, vacation and travel plans are back on the calendar.  Attorneys should always have plans for what happens when they are not available.  See Business Succession Planning:  Designating a Successor Attorney.  However, if you don’t already have those plans in place, here are some quick steps you can take as you prepare […]

With the uptick in advertising, be aware there may be client generator situations trying to involve lawyers inappropriately in live telephone or real-time electronic contact with potential clients.  The contact to the potential client may be from a service employed by a non-lawyer professional to call people involved in auto accidents from police reports.  That […]

Retirement is the most common reason OBLIC policyholders close a law practice.  Other reasons include election or appointment to the judiciary or other public office, the start of a new firm, or the assumption of some other non-private practice employment.  Whatever the reason, here are steps we recommend be followed when closing your law practice. […]

Attorneys have always had their fair share of difficult clients.  However, challenging economic times, such as those recently thrust upon our profession by the COVID-19 pandemic, often increase the number of these precarious situations, making the practice of law even more challenging.   The following recommended best practices may help you navigate the treacherous waters of […]

This is part one of a monthly series in which we address policy coverage questions that we  routinely discuss with you and your colleagues. The answers provided are based on the basic policy form, currently LPLP-1t; refer to your specific policy and any endorsements attached thereto that may change coverage or the answers provided. We […]

Questions about fee agreements are frequently asked on the OBLIC Hotline.  Flat fee agreements seem especially problematic.  Let’s take a closer look at these fee agreements. Rule 1.5 of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct governs fees and expenses.  The rule provides that: A lawyer shall not make an agreement for, charge, or collect an […]