Month: December 2014
Commercial debt collection scam using the names Akio Kohri and Adeka Corporation
A California firm notified us that they received an email from the purported Akio Kohri of Adeka Corporation looking to retain them with regards to a commercial debt collection. This is a classic bad cheque scam that presents as legal matter requiring the assistance of a lawyer. In this scam lawyers will be duped into… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Warnings, Debt Collection FraudEquipment purchase scam using the names Zhi-Yuan Hu and Chu Kong Group Shipyard Co
An Ontario firm notified us that they received an email from the purported Zhi-Yuan Hu of Chu Kong Group Shipyard Co looking to retain them with regards to making a large commercial purchase. This is a bad cheque scam that presents as legal matter requiring the assistance of a lawyer. In this scam lawyers will… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Warnings, Equipment / Inventory Purchase FraudResolutions to better document your files
You can still find yourself being sued for malpractice, even if you have done everything correctly. A well-documented file can help to explain what work was done or to justify an account and can be a lifesaver when it comes to defending a malpractice claim. A good paper trail can help show what work was… Read More »
Categories: Law Practice ManagementResolutions to avoid fee disputes (and make more money)
Fees disputes commonly lead to unpaid accounts, Law Society complaints and/or malpractice claims. For these reasons you should do your best to avoid fee disputes with your clients. Here are some simple resolutions that will help you accomplish this: I will get a sufficient retainer at the start of a matter: At the start of… Read More »
Categories: Law Practice ManagementLawyers Weekly article on claims exposure for real estate lawyers due to coverage exceptions in certain title insurance policies
The December 26, 2014, issue of Lawyers Weekly has an article on a claims exposure that arises due to coverage exceptions in certain title insurance policies. Real estate lawyers need to be aware of this claims exposure and how to avoid it. LAWPRO has seen 7 claims with combined losses approaching $2 million, including one… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateResolutions to avoid wills and estates claims
I will ask more probing questions when meeting with a client to prepare a will: Too many lawyers are not asking the questions that could uncover facts that could cause problems later, or making clear to the client what information they need to provide. Was there a prior will? Are all the beneficiaries identified correctly?… Read More »
Categories: Wills & EstatesResolutions for stress relief, wellness and balance
The life of a lawyer, especially a solo or small firm practitioner, is often stressful. Stress itself is not necessarily a bad thing; our body’s reaction to stress actually helps us to meet the sudden demands that we face as busy lawyers. However, too much stress too often becomes chronic stress, and takes its toll… Read More »
Categories: Wellness and BalanceResolutions for better matter and file management
Effective file management provides the foundation for timely, valuable client service and appropriate management of client matters. Here are some resolutions to help you complete the critical steps in file management: I will complete a conflicts check before opening a file: Conflicts of interest can lead to ugly and expensive malpractice claims. The best time… Read More »
Categories: Law Practice Management