2010 plus international conference the first thing we do— sue all the lawyers: emerging trends in...
TRANSCRIPT
2010 PLUS International Conference
The First Thing We Do—Sue All The Lawyers: Emerging Trends inLegal Malpractice
2010 PLUS International Conference
The Round-Up
MODERATOR:• Irwin F. Giles, RPLU, President & CEO, Administrators for the Professions of
Delaware, Inc.
PANELISTS:• Robert Bragalone, Esq., Co-Managing Partner, Dallas Office, Gordon & Rees, • Randy Johnston, Esq., Attorney, Board Certified in Civil Trial Law,
Johnston & Tobey, PC• Kelley Heide Martin, Esq., Senior Claims Specialist, Line of Business
Department, Scottsdale Insurance• Michele Wade, Executive Vice President, Lockton Insurance Agency of
Dallas, Inc.
2010 PLUS International Conference
Discussion Topics
Factors Contributing to the Rise of Claims Frequency:
• Poor Economy
• Business vs. Profession
• Tort Reform
• Targeted Areas of Practice
• Take-Aways
2010 PLUS International Conference
Poor Economy
• Effect on Law Firm Practice
• Effect on Clients
• Effect on Claims Process
• Effect on Professional Liability Insurance
2010 PLUS International Conference
Business vs. Profession
• Attorney Advertising
• Internet / Social Media
• Urban Population Growth
• Profitability
2010 PLUS International Conference
Tort Reform
• Background
• Malpractice Shift
• Future Expectations
2010 PLUS International Conference
Targeted Areas of Practice
• Historical
Personal Injury
Real Estate
Family Law
2010 PLUS International Conference
2010 PLUS International Conference
Targeted Areas of Practice
Trends
• Increase in Real Estate - related Claims
• Bankruptcy Related Claims
• Estate and Probate Work
• Counterclaims
2010 PLUS International Conference
For Lawyers:
• Avoid the practice of “door law”
• Do things early, not just on time
• Increase client communications
• Be sure to document the file wherever appropriate
Take-aways
2010 PLUS International Conference
For Lawyers (cont’d)
• Observe/evaluate potential conflicts
• Don’t cover up mistakes; resolve them
• Improve your “court-side manner”
• Collect your ARs timely
Take-aways
2010 PLUS International Conference
For Underwriters and Brokers:• Scrutinize applicants for the practice of “door
law”• Focus on the practice areas applicants have and
the new target areas for claims• Beware of “high turnover” firms• More carefully evaluate firm’s claims history
Take-aways
2010 PLUS International Conference
Questions
&
Answers
2010 PLUS International Conference
Many Thanks to …
• Irwin F. Giles
• Robert Bragalone
• Randy Johnston
• Kelley Heide Martin
• Michele Wade