Remote Client Intake: Limiting the Risks While Expanding Access How do we avoid conflicts in times o
It wasn’t so long ago that someone shopping for a lawyer would have a conversation across a desk, share details about the legal issue, and not be protected by the lawyer’s confidentiality obligation if this “prospective client” did not ultimately engage the lawyer. However, in 2002, the American Bar Association added Rule 1.18 to its Model Rules of Professional Conduct to address this situation. Most states have now adopted a version of this rule. While the rule, which has ex
30 Day Business Development Plan during the Crisis
Assuming you’re not a corporate restructuring lawyer, you may have a bit of extra time on your hands in the weeks, or perhaps months, to come as the economy continues to hibernate. You’ve likely heard mixed messages about whether you should be engaging in business development activities during this global pandemic. My take is that, yes, you absolutely should. However, it’s critical to understand what types of activities are appropriate for the moment. Just as Justice Potter S
How to know if a client is suffering
The breadth of legal advice we offer clients varies enormously among the many subfields of law. If we’re retained to represent a family in its purchase of a house, whatever we might see or intuit about the family’s dynamics is beside the point. We are present to advise on the real estate transaction, period. But what about when we serve as general counsel to a family, handling the entirety of its legal matters, often for decades, and sometimes over several generations? Here w
COVID Impact to Small Business
If you’re like me, you’re probably tired of getting email blasts about how to best work remotely. There is much more to this COVID-19 situation, from your law practice perspective, than remote work. If you practice in the solo and small firm world, here’s my take on a few other important things to consider in the pandemic age. Impact on Clients Individual Clients Many individuals have lost their jobs, will soon lose their jobs or are nervous as hell they will lose their job b
