Staying out of jail; keeping your license and staying out of trouble
Article Abstract:
Lawyers who wish to avoid malpractice and even possible imprisonment should follow certain rules of conduct. They should never have business dealings with criminal clients. They should be scrupulous about keeping clients' funds separate from their own. Scrupulous preparation for trial is also a necessity. They should remember the lesson taught law firms by the savings and loan scandal, namely, that attorney liability can extend to third parties as well. They should respect attorney-client confidentiality everywhere, even in their personal lives.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1993
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Why bad things happen to good lawyers
Article Abstract:
Malpractice claims can result from accepting cases in which the lawyer has little knowledge or experience, failing to screen clients and cases to identify the ones with problems that could lead to malpractice claims, or from breakdowns in the administration of cases. Other frequent sources of malpractice claims are lawyers' failing to identify potential conflicts in representing multiple clients on the same matter, and fee disputes with clients. Ways to prevent malpractice are detailed.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1998
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By the letter; writing around potential malpractice hazards
Article Abstract:
The ABA Standing Committee on Lawyers' Professional Liability held a conference in April 1992 on malpractice avoidance. Stephen M. Blumberg of Fresno, CA and other speakers stressed that attorneys can minimize malpractice claims by carefully screening cases and clients, by documenting acceptance or rejection of a case with engagement letters or declination letters, and by keeping the client informed and documenting all developments in the case.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1993
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- Abstracts: Studies: community release works; easing transition from hospital to freedom helps keep mentally ill out of trouble
- Abstracts: Studying the acceptability and feasibility of medical abortion. RU 486/prostaglandin: considerations for appropriate use in low-resource settings
- Abstracts: Seeing the facts, tapping the power of seeing as well as hearing. Understanding character evidence; four ideas that tie it all together
- Abstracts: Some confusions about due process, judicial review, and constitutional remedies. "The rule of law" as a concept in constitutional discourse
- Abstracts: Shoring up malpractice insurance; the importance of prior acts coverage and extended reporting endorsements. The right amount of coverage: taking inventory of risks helps determine malpractice insurance limits