OBLIC news, events and updates.

Recent nationwide legal malpractice claims statistics indicate a noticeable increase in legal malpractice claims arising out of settlement advice. These claims alleging that lawyers provided poor settlement advice may: Allege that the lawyer’s conduct reduced the settlement value of the case (a “settle and sue” case). Allege that the lawyer improperly recommended that the client […]

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 […]

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 […]

The annual review of the Rules of Civil Procedure and other rules of court by the Supreme Court Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure led to significant amendments to the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, which took effect on July 1, 2020. These amendments were recommended to the Ohio Supreme Court last fall […]

As an OBLIC insured you have probably read our occasional articles emphasizing the need for regular, effective client communication, including references to various forms that can be put to use in your practice (see our most recent example, OBLIC Malpractice Alert of Fall 2019). However, whether you practice as a solo or in a firm, […]

In this reduction phase of the pandemic, i.e., reduced staff, reduced hours, reduced visitors, reduced office conversations about last night’s dream (turns out not all reductions are bad), don’t let an upcoming deadline get reduced to a legal malpractice claim. As the Ohio Supreme Court has stated, a court complete shut down is not currently […]

Ohio attorneys, doctors, social workers and certain other professionals, are required to report abuse of adults as well as children.  Ohio Revised Code 5101.63 mandates that an attorney having a reasonable cause to believe an adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited shall immediately report that to the county department of job and family services. Ohio […]

Interesting insight is available in the 2018 Legal Trends Report issued by CLIO.  CLIO is one of the practice management tools and services of the Ohio State Bar Association. The report looks at indicators of law firm success, what clients look for when hiring an attorney and how client satisfaction impacts business.  It’s no surprise that […]

Gretchen Mote, OBLIC Director of Loss Prevention, chaired the Planning Committee for the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys Women in the Law Seminar held at the Hilton Polaris on February 21, 2013. Ms. Mote also moderated the panel discussion Inside/Out: Establishing Effective Relationships Between Inside & Outside Counsel. This seminar brought together women lawyers […]