Preventing Malpractice
Defending a malpractice claim can be expensive and tarnish your reputation. Below are tips for avoiding malpractice claims and a links to resources with additional information.
Tips
Assistance - seek assistance for cases that require additional time or specialization.
Accounting - use an accounting app to record client funds and keep them in a trust account separate from firm accounts.
Automate - automate calendaring of appointments, deadlines, and hearings; use software for billing, case management, and client communications.
Communications - use written communications to follow-up meetings and phone calls; promptly provide case updates; explain reasons for your decisions and strategies.
Disengagement - use a non-engagement letter to confirm that a lawyer-client relationship has not been created.
Documentation - Retain copies of engagement (and disengagement letters), keep notes of matters discussed with clients; retain research that explains issues and approaches.
Engagement - use engagement letters to establish the lawyer-client relationship and include scope of services, amount of fees, billing schedule, and contact information.
Expectations - manage expectations to alert clients to litigation risks and possible outcomes.
Reputation - monitor your reputation and address negative comments that appear on the Internet.
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