Mark Scruggs
Mark Scruggs is senior claims counsel with Lawyers Mutual specializing in litigation, workers compensation and family law matters. You can reach Mark at 800.662.8843 or at mscruggs@lawyersmutualnc.com.
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: Timely Respond to Discovery Requests or Risk Waiver of All Objections, Including Privilege!
Sometimes we lawyers take discovery deadlines lightly. So what’s the worst that can happen? Opposing counsel files a motion to compel discovery, and the Court enters an order compelling discovery? Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: Ten Mileposts Along the Road to a Successful Representation (and Disengagement)
It has taken me 20 years to identify steps lawyers can take throughout the life of an attorney-client relationship that will help avoid grievances and malpractice claims. You can learn them in a few minutes. Here are 10 steps to help guide your journey. Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs
Rule 3 – Delayed Service of Complaint - It’s the Summons that Counts! Last month, I wrote about Williams v. Jennette and using Rule 6(b) to enlarge the time for filing the complaint that was filed using the Rule 3 “Delayed Service of Complaint” process. Today, I would like to take a ste… Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs
When it comes to Equitable Distribution, Complaint, Counterclaim, or Motion – It's Your Choice A few months ago, I received a call from an insured asking for help. She represented a party in a domestic case. She decided to file a motion in the cause for equitable distribution for several reasons instead … Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs
Extending Time for Filing Under a Rule 3 Application and Order Extending Time to File Complaint. I came across the case of Williams v. Jennette recently and found once again the law is not what I think it is. Maybe this case will help you out of a tight spot one day. Plaintiffs commenced their suit on O… Read More
Practice Points With Mark Scruggs - “Limited Scope” Representations
Rrecommendations for a successful limited scope representation. Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: The Accidental Pro Bono Client
The accidental pro bono client (i.e., non-paying or slow-paying client) Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: What Is Your Blue Chair?
What keeps you doing what you are doing? When you think, “I would like to try something new,” what stops you? What is your next thought? Is it, “But I can’t because…”? Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: It’s a New Year; Fire a Client!
Five reasons why you should review your client files this New Year and fire at least one client. Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: Alias or Pluries Summons – A Mistake Waiting to Happen
Preventing Alias or Pluries summonses mistakes. Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: The Intake Interview - One Path to a Satisfied Client (And Lawyer)
A solid intake interview will go a long way to making sure the cases you choose to work on are fulfilling for you and your clients. Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: The Trustee’s Duty of Neutrality
Do you ever serve as trustee of a client’s trust? Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: What Should I Tell My Client about Social Media?
Social media, clients and ethics Read More
Practice points with Mark Scruggs: Get It Outta There!
Don’t let affirmative defenses that you deem meritless remain in the Answer and a part of the case. Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: Suing the Wrong Defendant
One of the most common errors we see at Lawyers Mutual is the failure to sue the right defendant before the statute of limitations expires. Read More
