Risk Management & Claims Prevention
Reliance on cultural norms leads lawyer to act without full instructions
In his article “Manage Malpractice Risk by Recognizing Cultural Diversity“, Lorne Shelson (Litigation Director & Counsel in the Specialty Claims Department at LAWPRO) gives five ‘culturally-based’ claims scenarios loosely based on real LAWPRO claims. Here is one scenario: A man retained a lawyer to commence a medical malpractice lawsuit. The man believed that his wife… Read More »
Categories: Risk Management StrategiesHackers fast to take advantage of fears created by celebrity nude photo leak
This morning I got the following email, purportedly from Apple Support, telling me to take steps to update my Apple ID information: It is a text book example of a phishing scam – the very type of scam that was likely used for tricking some of the celebrities caught in the nude photo leak into… Read More »
Categories: Fraud PreventionBe on the lookout for fraud as the Labour Day long weekend approaches
On several occasions in the past, fraudsters have struck just before long weekends – a time when law firms are short-staffed and banks are closed an extra day. A long weekend creates circumstances that give the fraudsters a better chance of duping the lawyer and getting away before the fraud is discovered. Please be extra… Read More »
Categories: Fraud PreventionTitle Company May Appeal Ruling in Cyber Crime Case to U.S. Supreme Court
The American Land Titles Assocation reported on a case invovling a U.S. escrow company that had its bank account hacked by cyber criminals. While Canada doesn’t have escrow companies of this kind, it still serves as a lesson in what can happen if law firms don’t take adequate steps to protect against cyber attacks on… Read More »
Categories: Fraud PreventionOverview of online services offered through the Membership Assistance Program (MAP)
MAP is a confidential service financially supported by the Law Society of Upper Canada and LAWPRO, supporting our commitment to help all members in achieving their health and wellness goals. About Member Services The Member Services area of the Homewood Human Solutions™ website provides lawyers and paralegals covered by the Member Assistance Program with secure,… Read More »
Categories: Wellness and BalanceKeeping your passwords strong and secure
Computer passwords are the keys that “unlock” our computer and network systems. We all have more passwords than we can remember. This tends to make us a bit lazy. We use obvious and easy-to-remember passwords – even the word “password” itself. Or worse: we don’t use them at all. Bad password habits are often one… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Prevention, TechnologyCyber risk insurance options: Do you have the coverage you need?
The prevalence of cyber-related crime has been steadily increasing for a number of years. Many businesses invest heavily in the necessary IT infrastructure to protect their data, but despite best efforts and intentions, the frequent news stories in the press should serve as confirmation that breaches do occur. The cost implications of having personal or… Read More »
Categories: Fraud PreventionProtecting Yourself from Cybercrime Dangers: Beware the Dangers of BYOD and the Family Computer
Cybercrime dangers are many, complex and ever-changing. Hardly a day goes by without another news report of a data breach or other cyber-related scam or theft. Cyber criminals have considerable resources and expertise, and can cause significant damage to their targets. Cyber criminals specifically target law firms as law firms regularly have funds in their… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Prevention