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
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
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: Conflicts and Confidentiality – the Bane of an Estates Lawyer
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs - Conflicts and Confidentiality Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs - Before Agreeing to Serve as Local Counsel – Stop and Think!
When you get that call from an out-of-state attorney asking you to serve as local counsel, consider the risks. You might think that being local counsel is a ministerial act or duty; something necessary for the out-of-state lawyer to obtain admission pro hac vice to represent his or her client in a North Carolina court. Read More
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs – Counting the Statute Of Limitations and Other Time Periods
Have you ever wondered about this as you approached the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury action: Is the statute of limitations counted in days or years? At Lawyers Mutual, we get this question occasionally. I think we intuitively know the answer, but anxiety might prompt the question. Especia… Read More
