Conflicts of interest can be one of the most challenging ethical dilemmas faced by attorneys. Many legal practitioners find the rules governing conflicts to be confusing, and applying these rules in real-life scenarios can often prove difficult. However, the consequences of failing to properly identify and manage conflicts can be severe, with potential repercussions including legal malpractice claims, disciplinary actions, and even criminal charges. Lawyers may also face disqualification, and fees earned from conflicted engagements may need to be forfeited.

ISBA Mutual’s December webinar, Avoiding & Mitigating Conflicts of Interest, is designed to help Illinois lawyers understand and navigate these complex issues. By attending, participants will learn how to identify potential conflicts, implement effective conflict-check procedures, and utilize conflict waivers to minimize risks.

Navigating a malpractice claim or ARDC complaint can be a daunting experience for any attorney. This webinar, Anatomy of a Claim or ARDC Complaint, will walk participants through a detailed case study of a malpractice claim and ARDC complaint, providing essential insights into the processes and responsibilities involved.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the actions that lead to a malpractice claim, how actual damages are calculated, and the statutes of limitation and repose—along with the key exceptions. The webinar will also cover the duties of attorneys acting as fiduciaries or trustees, explain how the civil and ARDC claim processes work, and provide statistics on the most common types of claims. Finally, attendees will receive practical tips for avoiding the types of errors that often result in client complaints and legal malpractice claims.

ISBA Mutual Insurance Company is hosting a crucial webinar on October 22, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. via Zoom, focused on the critical aspects of client management that can prevent malpractice claims. The session will delve into effective strategies for client screening, engagement, disengagement, and non-engagement, providing lawyers with the tools they need to protect themselves and their firms.

Malpractice claims often stem from cases where lawyers realize, too late, that they should have never agreed to represent a particular client. This webinar will teach you how to avoid these pitfalls through better client screening and management practices.

You’ll learn how to identify the types of clients you want to serve, assess potential clients during intake, and use engagement or non-engagement letters to document your decisions. Additionally, the importance of issuing proper disengagement letters will be discussed to ensure that all matters are thoroughly concluded, preventing future legal issues.

Presented by Mat Kresz, Attorney & Counselor at Law and former Chief Information Officer, “Ethical Considerations in Choosing IT Services” will explore the ethical duties lawyers face when selecting IT service providers. The presentation will emphasize the importance of protecting both the firm and its clients through a detailed vendor selection process. It will include specific strategies to ensure lawyers comprehend technical requirements and supervision responsibilities.