Communication Errors
Litigation claims on the rise
In recent years, the growth in civil litigation claims has outstripped the overall growth in claims. For example, from 2006 through 2010 LAWPRO received an average of 708 civil litigation claims each year, and during 2011 through 2015, the average increased to 948 each year. This growth of 34 per cent vastly exceeds the 7… Read More »
Categories: Biggest Claims Risks, Communication Errors, Civil Litigation, Limitations ClaimsBuild good practice habits and avoid malpractice claims: The new lawyer
You are just beginning to build the habits that can help or hinder your practice in the long term. Consistency in how you deliver service – from the questions you ask at intake to the steps you take when the client leaves the office – is one of the foundations to protect yourself against malpractice… Read More »
Categories: Limitations Claims, Risk Management & Claims Prevention, Biggest Claims Risks, Communication Errors, Risk Management StrategiesBuilding a better clientele
The impact of poor client selection and sloppy client service will be magnified in trying economic times. In response, you want to proactively take steps to build a retain a better clientele. Here are some pointers to help you meet that goal: Get a retainer up front: The best way to ensure that you get… Read More »
Categories: Communication Errors, Risk Management StrategiesThe importance of reporting letters
From both a client communication and a claims prevention perspective, reporting letters may be among the most important documents in a lawyer’s file. Reporting letters support client communication by describing the work that has been completed and the results achieved. Good reporting letters should also communicate whether any issues remain to be resolved or tasks… Read More »
Categories: Communication ErrorsNew practicePRO resource: The franchise law malpractice claims fact sheet
With such a large amount of claims prevention information available in LAWPRO Magazine articles and practicePRO resources, we had the idea to create simple fact sheets that CPD providers and others could use in developing their program material for specific areas of law. The eighth in our series of “malpractice claims fact sheets” covers franchise… Read More »
Categories: Communication Errors, Risk Management StrategiesReduce the distraction from the ‘casino in your pocket’
In the early days of email, one of the common bits of productivity advice was “turn off your inbox notifications.” The “You’ve Got Mail” sound or pop-up was a constant source of distraction while trying to get work done. Even with the advent of smartphones that advice was still mostly good enough. The phone meant… Read More »
Categories: Communication Errors, TechnologyThat’s The Way: Managing Risk in the Paperless Office
For litigators and solicitors alike, going paperless is a sure-fire way to increase your law firm’s productivity and it can help reduce your risk of a malpractice claim. How much time do you and your staff spend looking for documents? How often does your tickler system alert you at the very last moment of a… Read More »
Categories: Practice Aids, Technology, Communication ErrorsPsychological tips to win over your clients, juries, and judges
Effectively persuading a potential new client, a jury, or an interviewer – and being able to do it time and again – requires a solid understanding of how people make decisions. Persuasion traditionally relies on three techniques, namely: to speak the truth (logos), be credible (ethos), and move your audience emotionally (pathos). Unconscious (cognitive) biases can interfere… Read More »
Categories: Biggest Claims Risks, Communication Errors, Risk Management Strategies, Practice Aids, Law Practice Management