OBLIC news, events and updates.

COVID-19 has definitely raised the bar for law firm cyber security. As practicing lawyers work remotely, attend court hearings and meet with clients virtually, and with a significant spike in cyber attacks since the beginning of this pandemic, the need to have appropriate safeguards to protect client confidential data is of extreme importance. OBLIC’s Cyber […]

Recognizing that the best ways to avoid COVID-19 change frequently and that Ohio business owners are unsure about what tort liability they may face, the Ohio General Assembly enacted H.B 606. Governor Mike DeWine signed it into law on September 14, 2020. The law takes effect in 90 days and applies to acts, omissions, conduct, […]

With many courts operating remotely or with social distancing guidelines, trial attorneys face new challenges. Here are some guidelines to keep things moving forward. Remember the basics! Undertaking representation for a potential litigation client begins with a solid conflicts of interest check. After clearing your conflicts check, use a good client intake process and conduct […]

Figuring out your CLE reporting can be challenging anytime, but especially during these COVID times.  You may have heard that the Supreme Court did something to address the CLE situation, but you aren’t quite sure what it was and how it works.  Here’s the information you need! First, don’t mistake the requirement to report your […]

OBLIC commonly fields questions concerning withdrawing from representation. These questions typically arise from three scenarios: The client is not paying bills; The client is not listening to advice; The client threatened to fire the insured.  These situations fall within the provisions of Rule 1.16(b) of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. For a client who […]

OBLIC commonly receives questions about law firm name requirements and restrictions. In Ohio, law firm naming conventions have been regulated through the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.5: Firm Names and Letterheads.   Changes in the Rule This Rule was amended effective June 17, 2020 to remove the prior prohibition of practicing under a […]

If you diligently read these OBLICAlerts, you may be incredulous that we are sending yet another warning about third-party initiated cyber and wire fraud scams. OBLIC has sent out alerts on this topic several times this year as well as multiple times a year over the past several years. Despite these alerts, we are seeing […]

The annual review of the Rules of Civil Procedure and other rules of court by the Supreme Court Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure led to significant amendments to the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, which took effect on July 1, 2020. These amendments were recommended to the Ohio Supreme Court last fall […]

Ohio Revised Code 2305.113 establishes the statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims, requiring a claimant to commence an action within one year after the cause of action accrued. The statute also contains a statute of repose, stating that a claim is barred if not commenced within four years of the event giving rise […]

With many lawyers working remotely and from home, it is important to understand the coverage available through the OBLIC Data Breach Endorsement. OBLIC provides the Data Breach Endorsement coverage at no additional cost for all Lawyers Professional Liability policies. Coverage under the OBLIC Data Breach Endorsement is limited to factual scenarios where the law firm […]