About Tim Lemieux
Tim Lemieux is the CPSR and Claims Analyst at LAWPRO. He investigates TitlePLUS title insurance claims, and analyses LAWPRO claims data to aid in the creation of the practicePRO initiative risk management presentations, articles and web content for lawyers.
Tim Lemieux's Posts
Avoiding ‘Inadequate Investigation’ Claims in Real Estate
Back in 1998, “inadequate discovery of fact or inadequate investigation” was the fifth most common cause of a claim when we looked at the top five reasons a claim was made against a lawyer. Since then the claims cause of “inadequate investigation” has climbed steadily upwards to the number one spot: By 2014, this category… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateResolutions 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 ManagementResolutions 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 ManagementResolutions to avoid litigation claims
I will enter target dates a few days early to avoid last minute complications. Unforeseen circumstances can arise on the day a document needs to be filed. Setting your target date a few days before a deadline could prevent a snow storm, traffic jam or sick-at-home clerk resulting in a missed deadline. I will familiarize… Read More »
Categories: Biggest Claims Risks, Civil LitigationResolutions to better set and control client expectations
Clients can be demanding and will sometimes have expectations that will be unreasonable. Unmet expectations, even if they are totally unreasonable, are a recipe for unhappy clients. Setting and controlling client expectations is one of the best things you can do to ensure that you have a happy and satisfied client at each stage and… Read More »
Categories: Communication Errors