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About LAWPRO > Media > Archives
About LAWPRO®
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A Special Report: The Litigation Tidal Wave (6 of 6)
Ride out the litigation tidal wave with tools and
resources from practicePRO
Once all of the statistical analyses and real time anecdotal evidence is digested it becomes
clear that litigators must embrace change in a proactive manner - quickly, practically,
and effectively. A challenge, yes; insurmountable, no.
Listed below you will find eight basic strategies that reinforce how simple making
change can be. Listed with each are accessible, inexpensive and often free tools and resources to help you implement these
strategies. Some are tools we have built ourselves, others we recommend from the Law Society or other CLE providers.
But all are available at LPIC's risk and change management program, practicePRO, on
LPIC's website at www.lpic.ca.
Read on and discover just how simple making change can be.
Boning Up on the Rules of Professional Conduct
Many lawyers forget about the Rules once they start to practice. A reminder of the many
duties imposed on officers of the court is one way to bring some civility back into
practice, tame the growing aggression between counsel, and better serve clients' interests.
Visit: http://www.lsuc.on.ca/services/RulesProfCondpage_en.shtml
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Tackling Some Age-Old Problems
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Managing Lawyer/Client Relationships
- Managing the Lawyer/Client Relationship Booklet
Clients come to you with a set of expectations at the start of your relationship. Meeting
them is your challenge and the key to a solid client relationship. As you move through
the many stages of your relationship, you have the opportunity to discuss and reset, if
necessary, those expectations. This booklet provides a brief discussion of the many
stages - client/case screening, non-engagement, engagement and disengagement - along
with comprehensive checklists for working through these stages.
To download a copy, visit
http://www.practicePRO.ca/practice/lawyerclient.asp
To order a copy, visit
http://www.lpic.ca/order_books _videos/default.asp
- Managing Conflict of Interest Situations Booklet
Client expectations also underlie a number of conflict of interest situations. Knowing
how to spot and manage a conflict, either at the start of a relationship or mid-way through
is crucial to relationship management. This booklet provides practical guidance on how
to avoid as well as manage situations that turn into conflict of interest situations.
To download a copy, visit
http://www.practicePRO.ca/practice/conflicts.asp
To order a copy, visit
http://www.lpic.ca/order_books _videos/default.asp
- online COACHING CENTRE
Client expectations are best understood and managed by using a well-developed set of
soft skills - listening, guidance, flexibility, caring, initiative, planning, and dealing with
procrastination as well as stress.
The online COACHING CENTRE (OCC) is an online, module-based program that offers
skills enhancement in these areas.
The OCC is organized into six workshop topics - powerful communications, stress
management, practice management (read leadership and team-building), business
development, overcoming procrastination and emotional intelligence. The 150 bite-sized
modules which make up the OCC take about 10 - 15 minutes each to complete; each
serves as a mentor to help you enhance skills involved in building and maintaining
relationships with clients, colleagues and adversaries.
To access the online COACHING CENTRE,
visit http://www.practicePRO.ca/occ/default.asp
For an introductory presentation for your firm, send an e-mail to
practicepro@lpic.ca
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Keeping Up to Date with the Trends
LPIC News
Distributed quarterly both online and in print, LPIC News offers regular updates on
practice issues and trends, and on tools and resources.
Visit http://www.lpic.ca/news/LPIC_news.asp
Danger Zone
Tips on practice habits that can result in litigation claims and how to avoid them,
including Suing Your Client for Fees; Acting for Family and Friends; Speaking to the
Media; Acting As Director for a Client Corporation.
Visit http://www.practicePRO.ca/information/danger.asp
Casebook
LPIC's analysis of the leading cases and legal updates concerning legal professional
liability issues.
Visit http://www.practicePRO.ca/information/lpic.asp
Techno Info
A gateway to online resources that help you manage the burgeoning information overload
and the faster pace of practice.
Visit http://www.practicePRO.ca/information/techno.asp
Presentations
Developed for law firms and law associations to develop awareness of trends and discuss
many practice issues, including how to manage client relationships, conflicts, use of
technology in practice, coaching and wellness.
To book a presentation, send an e-mail to practicepro@lpic.ca
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Knowing Your Insurance Policy
Today, exposure to claims and the related need for liability insurance is simply a reality
of practice. You are urged to spend some time familiarizing yourself with your insurance
policy and the various options available to better protect yourself against any personal
financial exposure for claims. Consider also:
- Excess Insurance Coverage for claims that might turn out to be bigger than you
think;
- Innocent Party Coverage/Buy-up to protect you from what you don't know about
your partners, past and present;
- Run-off Insurance Coverage to protect you when you leave private practice or
retire.
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Keeping Up with the Law Through CLE
A number of organizations provide continuing legal education programs throughout
Ontario. In addition to the commercial providers, consider the offerings of the following
organizations, all of which can be accessed by visiting
http://www.practicePRO.ca/education/continuing.asp or the CLE Calendar at
http://www.practicePRO.ca/education/default.asp.
- Law Society of Upper Canada CLE
- Canadian Bar Association-Ontario CLE and Section Meetings
- Advocates' Society CLE
- Ontario Centre for Advocacy Training
- County and District Law Association Events
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Mentoring
Seeking out a mentor to bounce ideas around with or get an independent and practised
viewpoint on matters of substantive law, practice management or just dealing with people
is important. Mentoring helps maintain peace of mind and perspective.
If you do not have a relationship with a more experienced lawyer in your office or in the
broader legal community, develop one. If you need some help, join an association and
start meeting people.
As well, consider the following resources:
- Lawyer-to-Lawyer Network at the CBAO
A volunteer mentoring program for members of the Canadian Bar Association-Ontario,
the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Network seeks lawyers interested in having a mentor or becoming
one. For more information, call the CBAO's membership department at 1-800-668-8900.
- Advisory Services at the Law Society
The Advisory Services Department of the Law Society, formerly called Practice
Advisory, does offer limited mentoring support by volunteer practitioners engaged in
private practice. Once you have consulted with Advisory Services, they will determine
whether it is appropriate to refer you to one of the volunteer mentors. For consultation
with Advisory Services, call (416) 947-3369 or 1-800-668-7380.
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Taking Care of Yourself
Resilience is the key to successful law practice today. This means taking care of your
mind, your body, and your soul. So, take a break.
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