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 […]