2010 plus international conference the first thing we do— sue all the lawyers: emerging trends in...

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