RM Alert-Common Errors in Estates and Trusts
Over the last few years, Lawyers Mutual has seen an increase in Estates and Trusts (E&T) claims. In 2021, E&T claims were the third most common claims according to area of practice. Only Plaintiff’s personal injury and residential real estate generated more claims by practice area. Errors occur in both estate planning and estate administration. Two common E&T errors are: Read More +
Practice Points with Mark Scruggs
Service by email? Ugh! If you are like me, you overlook important emails often. It’s understandable; most of them don’t need to be read anyway. Other times, essential emails go directly to my spam folder, and I don’t see them for days because I’m not diligent about checking my spam filt… Read More +
Ukraine: Stay and Remain, Part 1
The Pentagon has deployed thousands of servicemembers in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Naval frigates, surveillance aircraft, artillery units and brigade combat teams are all heading out as part of the first-ever NATO Response Force. Read More +
What Happens When an Attorney is Also a Witness in the Case?
A solo attorney may ethically represent his law firm PLLC and also testify as a witness in a fee dispute with a former client. This is so despite the prohibition of NC Rule of Professional Conduct 3.7, which says attorneys cannot serve as both advocate and witness in a matter. That’s the ruling … Read More +
Understanding the LM Financial Fraud Exclusionary Endorsement in Your LM Professional Liability Insurance Policy
Wire Fraud losses continue to plague real estate transactions, resulting in millions of dollars of losses around the country. The most common scenario is the buyer receiving altered wiring instructions. The State Bar is now holding the closing attorney accountable for this loss even though the closing attorney … Read More +
Time for a GAL Checkup
Guardian ad Litems risk management tips. Read More +
Remote Work in Florida is Not UPL
A lawyer licensed in New Jersey but practicing remotely from his home in Florida is not committing the unlicensed practice of law. That’s according to a May 20 advisory ethics opinion issued by the Florida Supreme Court. The attorney had requested the advisory ruling. He wanted to know if he cou… Read More +
The Clock is Ticking: Heads Up for Condo Developer’s Counsel
Looming deadline within the NC Condominium Act for developers. Read More +
Estate Administration Traps
Examples of common estate planning errors. Read More +
Time For A Real Estate Risk Management Spring Cleaning
Real Estate risk management spring cleaning tips. Read More +
Estate Planning Traps
Common estate planning errors Lawyers Mutual is seeing and how to avoid them. Read More +
Avoiding Equitable Distribution & Alimony Claims
Equitable distribution and alimony claims review. 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 Trustee’s Duty of Neutrality
Do you ever serve as trustee of a client’s trust? Read More +
Lawyer Suspended for Settling PI Cases Without Client Consent
A Pennsylvania lawyer has been suspended for three years for settling auto accident cases without telling his client. He also failed to inform his client (an insurance company) about key developments in the cases, including default judgments and arbitration hearings. The lawyer entered into a consent order … Read More +
