OBLIC news, events and updates.

“Dabbling” in unfamiliar areas of practice is a risk which is not unexpected following economic downturns. Since our most recent OBLIC Alert warning about the dangers of dabbling, we have received inquiries and heard from several attorneys interested in entering bankruptcy practice. Bankruptcy is a prime example of an area of law in which you […]

As an OBLIC insured you have probably read our occasional articles emphasizing the need for regular, effective client communication, including references to various forms that can be put to use in your practice (see our most recent example, OBLIC Malpractice Alert of Fall 2019). However, whether you practice as a solo or in a firm, […]

Conflicts of interest are frequent questions to the OBLIC Hotline. Lawyers must carefully evaluate potential conflicts under the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct. Conflicts are very fact-specific, which can make the conflict of interest evaluation difficult. Perform conflict checks for all new clients and all new matters: Maintain firm data that can be searched thoroughly […]

In the few past months, we’ve often found ourselves navigating unfamiliar situations.  While this may be necessary to deal with the pandemic, working in the unfamiliar should not apply to the matters you handle for your clients.  Undertaking representation outside your area of expertise can often lead to malpractice claims or disciplinary complaints. During difficult […]

Reservation of Rights (“ROR”) letters are used throughout the insurance industry to provide notice to the insured that the claim, or portions of the claim, may not be covered. A common misconception is that ROR letters are flat denials of coverage, which is not their intended purpose. ROR letters are instrumental in alerting you to […]

We understand many attorneys and law firms are trying to sustain their practices during this incredibly difficult time, in addition to trying to stay healthy and comply with governmental mandates and social distancing directives. Instead of repeating the daily emails you likely receive telling you the best way to work from home or to stay […]

HB 197 took effect immediately upon Governor DeWine’s signature on Friday, March 27, 2020. Our Ohio State Bar Association was instrumental in working on this. The popular press covered the legislation’s changes to tax filing deadlines, state licensing, and absentee voting. Practicing attorneys will note Section 22 of HB 197 enacting temporary changes tolling statutes of limitations (emphasis […]

Cybercriminals are always look for opportunities to capitalize on global events, especially high-profile ones like COVID-19. These criminals use the fear and uncertainty surrounding such events to spread misinformation as well as trick users into sharing sensitive data. Thus, it’s important during this situation for us to remain vigilant in our personal and professional digital […]

In this reduction phase of the pandemic, i.e., reduced staff, reduced hours, reduced visitors, reduced office conversations about last night’s dream (turns out not all reductions are bad), don’t let an upcoming deadline get reduced to a legal malpractice claim. As the Ohio Supreme Court has stated, a court complete shut down is not currently […]

In this time of incredible uncertainty, we would like you to know that everyone here at OBLIC shares your concerns regarding the COVID-19, aka coronavirus, outbreak. We have taken steps to ensure that we continue to deliver the level of personal service you have come to expect from OBLIC, while providing safeguards to protect you, our […]