Any attorney's career can be ruined for failure to follow the simplest rules of communication and ethics, says Allison L. Wood, principal of Legal Ethics Consulting, a Chicago company that counsels firms on avoiding disciplinary and malpractice issues. Wood was formerly a prosecutor in attorney disciplinary matters, and she has seen first-hand attorneys "in the tragic position … [Read more...] about Just common sense can ward off disciplinary and malpractice actions
Client relations
Model Tool: New matter intake form
Why you need this form: Before accepting a new matter from an existing client, you should obtain as much information about the new case as possible. This process, known as "case screening," can help you avoid many potential problems. How this form helps you: The New Matter Intake Form will not only help you quickly identify whether or not the subject matter is within your area … [Read more...] about Model Tool: New matter intake form
Model Tool: New client intake form
Why you need this form: Before accepting a client, you should obtain as much information about both the client and the subject matter as possible. This process, known as "client screening" can help you avoid many potential problems. How this form helps you: The New Client Intake Form will not only help you quickly identify whether or not the subject matter is within your area … [Read more...] about Model Tool: New client intake form
Model Policy: Client billing
Why you need this policy: Attorneys have every right—and need—to be paid. But getting clients to pay their bills on time is a major challenge that forces you to confront a bewildering array of fee arrangements, billing of non-fee expenses, and ethical constraints stemming from the attorney-client relationship. How this policy helps you: The centerpiece of juggling all of these … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Client billing
Model Policy: Client privacy
Why you need this policy: As with any other corporate website, law office websites collect and use personal information of site visitors, including "personally identifiable" information, i.e., names and other information that can be traced back to a specific individual. Such use and collection of personal information is subject to requirements under privacy laws. How this … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Client privacy
Model Tool: 90-Day File Report Card
Why you need this tool: When your clients are satisfied with your work, they're more likely to refer you to friends and colleagues. And one proven way to enhance client satisfaction and increase referrals is to provide clients with maximum personal contact. How this tool helps you: A major complaint from clients is a lack of access to their lawyers. As you implement policies to … [Read more...] about Model Tool: 90-Day File Report Card
An ever changing policy on using social media
“The reality is that people are going to use social media.” So more than two years ago, the 65-attorney firm of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein took the position “that we were going to be tuned in to social media to promote business development,” says Frederick J. Esposito, Jr.,CLM, CFO and director of administration at the firm’s New York … [Read more...] about An ever changing policy on using social media