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Mistakes Happen: Don’t Make It Worse
December 8, 2021Even the most diligent attorneys can make mistakes. Mishandling of mistakes, however, is entirely preventable. And failure to properly handle mistakes may make things far worse, including potential disciplinary proceedings, loss of coverage under your malpractice policy, additional causes of action and damages in a legal malpractice claim, not to Read the full post
Confidentiality Obligations to Prospective Clients under Texas Ethics Opinion 691
November 10, 2021What are your confidentiality obligations to prospective clients? The Professional Ethics Committee for the State Bar of Texas (“Ethics Committee”) has weighed in with Opinion 691 (“Opinion”). We’ve provided a brief summary and key takeaways below. The facts presented to the Ethics Committee were as follows. Five years ago, Wife Read the full post
Part Two: Steps to Avoid Malpractice Claims for Plaintiffs’ Lawyers
October 5, 2021This Article is our follow-up to our Part I on Steps to Avoid Malpractice Claims for Plaintiffs’ Lawyers. In this Article, we expand on some of the most common ways that plaintiffs’ attorneys may find themselves defending a malpractice claim, and provide some suggestions on how to avoid them entirely. Read the full post
TLIE wins Texas Lawyer “Best of” Poll 2021
September 1, 2021For the eleventh straight year, TLIE has won the Texas Lawyer Best of readers’ poll! TLIE won 1st place for Professional Liability Insurance Provider and for Cybersecurity Insurance Provider. Also, since TLIE has won at least three of the last four years in Professional Liability and Cybersecurity, we were awarded Read the full post
Part One: Steps to Avoid Malpractice Claims for Plaintiffs’ Lawyers
August 24, 2021While none of us are infallible, malpractice claims can be avoided in most situations. Here are some of the most common ways that plaintiffs’ attorneys can find themselves in hot water, as well as suggestions as to how to steer clear of a legal malpractice claim. 1. PROPERLY CALENDAR EVERYTHING Read the full post
Practical Tips for Texas Lawyers on Staying Ethical on Social Media
August 3, 2021Attorneys have increasingly embraced social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Avvo for professional purposes. According to the American Bar Association’s 2020 Legal Technology Survey Report, 77% of all respondents reported using social media for professional purposes. LinkedIn is currently the leading social media platform for attorneys, with 88% Read the full post
Changes to Texas Lawyers Advertising and Solicitation Rules: The Highlights
June 21, 2021The comprehensive proposal amending Part VII of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct was recently approved by the Texas Supreme Court, and will took effect on July 1, 2021. The changes were designed to improve, modernize and simplify the advertising and solicitation rules. This summary highlights some of the Read the full post
In Memoriam: James E. Brill
June 4, 2021Long-time member of TLIE’s Board of Directors, James E. “Jimmy” Brill died on Thursday, May 27, 2021, just two days shy of his 88th birthday. Jimmy’s Texas roots ran deep. His great grandfather was twice elected as Houston mayor in the 1880s. He was raised in Houston by his mother and her parents. Jimmy is survived Read the full post
I’m Not A Cat: Etiquette, Privacy and Security Considerations When Using Video Meeting Platforms
June 4, 2021As working remotely has become the new normal, it’s no surprise that video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex have seen a tremendous spike in active users. These platforms have become part of attorneys’ virtual practice enabling lawyers to ensure continuity of service to their Read the full post
Virtual Practice under ABA Opinion 498: Implications for Texas Lawyers Working Remotely
April 1, 2021The ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility recently issued Formal Opinion 498 (Opinion), entitled Virtual Practice, to provide guidance and best practices for lawyers working remotely. This Article examines both the ABA Model Rules and Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct commonly implicated in virtual practice, as well Read the full post