Year: 2017
Nine rules to help family law clients and their lawyers avoid social media dangers
Family law lawyers should keep in mind that their 20 and 30-something clients grew up with technology. They live online 7/24. Facebook posts, YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, texting and tweeting are intertwined in the fabric of their daily lives. Young people also tend to be very open and will post personal and intimate details of… Read More »
Categories: Family Law, Privacy, TechnologyThe lender client: not just a third wheel in a purchase transaction
It isn’t uncommon for real estate lawyers to be retained to act for both the purchaser of a property and the mortgage lender that is financing the purchase. However, a review of lender claims against lawyers for negligence suggests a misconception by some lawyers who believe that their only obligation to the lender client is… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateSelf-Represented Litigants: A Survival Guide by Carol Cochrane
Why do we all shudder on learning that our client’s adversary is self-represented on a litigation file? So often we fail to appreciate opposing counsel – until we hear those dreaded words from our client: “You know, the other side won’t be getting a lawyer.” It is only then that we realize and appreciate the… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Family Law, Risk Management StrategiesTo avoid real estate claims: take instructions from the party with value at risk
If you’ve read even just the title of today’s risk management post, you’re on your way to avoiding a real estate claim. For seasoned real estate lawyers, the process of taking instructions, formulating or answering requisitions, and closing the deal can become, to a large extent, routine. An “ordinary” set of instructions with respect to… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateEquipment purchase scam using the names Dang Vi Quan and Dahan Co
Two Ontario firms have notified us that they received an email from the purported Dang Vi Quan of Dahan Co looking to retain them with regards to making a large commercial purchase. This appears to be a bad cheque scam (with a real company likely being impersonated) that presents as legal matter requiring the assistance… Read More »
Categories: Equipment / Inventory Purchase Fraud, Fraud WarningsDanger Signs: Five activities generally not covered by your LAWPRO policy
On occasion, lawyers have engaged in activities that have made them front-page news, subject to embarrassment and possibly lawsuits or discipline complaints. Not only can this kind of attention be bad for a lawyer’s reputation, it can also damage or even destroy client relationships. That’s reason enough to be aware of and avoid activities that… Read More »
Categories: LAWPRO Errors and Omissions Coverage10 Common Mortgage Blunders You Can Easily Avoid
The Smiths (seemingly friendly and genuine people) walk into your law office with what appears to be a straightforward real estate deal including mortgage financing, for which you are to represent the lender as well. But, is it really that straightforward? Consider this: a high percentage of claims are caused by communication errors, inadequate investigation,… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateEquipment purchase scam using the names Wah Teng Gan and Chevalier Commercial
Firms in Florida and Arizona have notified us that they received an email from the purported Wah Teng Gan of Chevalier Commercial looking to retain them with regards to making a large commercial purchase. This appears to be a bad cheque scam (with a real company likely being impersonated) that presents as legal matter requiring… Read More »
Categories: Equipment / Inventory Purchase Fraud, Fraud Warnings