Liability Minute Blog
The Liability Minute blog is a resource provided by ISBA Mutual, offering concise and insightful updates on emerging legal issues. This platform keeps legal professionals informed about the latest developments and trends in liability law, helping them navigate complex legal landscapes with ease. Each minute-long segment distills critical information into a digestible format, ensuring that practitioners stay current and well-equipped to address evolving legal challenges.
ARDC Complaints: How to Handle Them as an Illinois Lawyer
ARDC complaints can happen, and knowing how to handle them is crucial. At ISBA Mutual, we have consulted with our ARDC counsel to create a comprehensive guide on what to do if you receive one. Follow these steps to manage an ARDC complaint properly and protect professional integrity. An ARDC…
Zoom Court: Diving into Best Practices for Remote Legal Work
Professionalism takes on new importance in the era of Zoom court hearings. As we move further into 2024, virtual court proceedings have become a staple of our judicial system. Understanding how to conduct yourself properly in Zoom court is essential to avoid embarrassment and ensure your client's…
Illinois Senate Bill 2179: Statute of Repose for Estate Planning
On August 13, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed Illinois Senate Bill 2179 into law, amending 735 ILCS 5/13-214.3. This vital legislation establishes a six-year statute of repose for claims against attorneys related to preparing an estate plan. ISBA Mutual Insurance Company delves into the details of…
Rule 756(e): The Need for Adequate Professional Liability Coverage
Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(e) (Disclosure of Malpractice Insurance), Illinois lawyers who represent at least one private client and do not report that they maintain malpractice insurance are required to complete the Proactive Management Based Regulation (PMBR) Self-Assessment Program…
Vicarious Liability: Protection Against Legal Malpractice Within the Firm
Vicarious liability is a critical concern for legal professionals, especially when protecting against legal malpractice committed by other lawyers within a firm. Understanding the intricacies of vicarious liability and how to safeguard against it is essential for maintaining a reputable and secure…
Illinois Lawyers Practicing in Indiana: How to Avoid Malpractice
With the City of Chicago and its southern suburbs bordering the Indiana state line and the Indiana cities of Terre Haute and Evansville so close to Illinois, it is commonplace for Illinois attorneys—either with a dual license or pro hac vice—to find themselves representing clients in Indiana courts…
Legal Malpractice Repose Periods: Insights from Snyder v. Heidelberger
Defense counsel provided by ISBA Mutual Insurance Company (ISBAMIC) successfully achieved a pivotal interpretation of the legal malpractice repose periods under Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, specifically §735 ILCS 5/13-214.3. In the landmark case, Snyder v. Heidelberger, the Illinois Supreme…
IOLTA Trust Accounts: Illinois Requirements and Best Practices for Lawyers
Starting September 1, 2011, the Illinois Supreme Court implemented significant amendments to Rule 1.15 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, focusing on the management of IOLTA trust accounts and the safekeeping of client funds. Lawyers, acting as professional fiduciaries, must adhere to…
Statutory Limitation Periods: Does It End on the Anniversary Date?
Statutory limitation periods dictate the critical timelines for legal actions, but when exactly do these periods end? This question, particularly whether a statutory limitation period stated in calendar years ends on the anniversary date or the day before, has been a topic of considerable legal…