Cybersecurity is a problem that everyone faces. But for attorneys, the problem is greater because we store information particularly valuable to cybercriminals, everything from phone numbers to Social Security numbers to all types of confidential information. Heck, there are probably those who have the formula for Coke or the nooks…
Read MoreLawyers are ethically required to deposit advance fees and retainers in their trust accounts, commonly called IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust) Accounts and to only take payment after clients receive a statement showing how the funds were used for counsel fees and expenses. In many cases, however, lawyers receive flat…
Read MoreWhen we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become wiser, more inclusive, and better. That quote from Pat Wadors highlights the importance of listening to diverse points of view. Unfortunately, the Florida Supreme Court doesn’t agree. In April, the Florida Supreme Court announced that it would…
Read MoreWhether, and when, and how much, you can pay a fact witness who is testifying is an ethical dilemma for lawyers. Fortunately, there is guidance for attorneys to help them figure out when they can, and when they can’t pay a fact witness. Attorney Daniel J. Siegel, Chair of the…
Read MoreThe Pennsylvania Bar Association Committee on Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility today issued Formal Opinion 2020-300 - Ethical Obligations of Attorneys Working Remotely. The Opinion is intended to provide global guidance to attorneys working from home, not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also for those who will work remotely…
Read MoreAh Hamlet, the famous line, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks," came to mind last in the context of lawyers, lawyer advertising, and the Rules of Ethics. As many people know, the majority of our firm's clients are lawyers and law firms, who trust us to provide ethical guidance,…
Read MorePundits swiftly smacked down Rosanne’s recent racist and anti-Semitic tweets, comparing them with New York Lawyer Aaron Schlossberg’s videotaped, racist rant against people for standing in front of him in a line. In a situation, where honestly, blameless people were supporting a local business, Attorney Schlossberg fumed at them shamelessly,…
Read MoreWe are often asked why a client should hire a small firm where clients speak directly with their attorney rather than a larger firm, with a large staff, large overhead, and levels of bureaucracy? When it comes to heavily advertised areas of law such as workers’ compensation and personal injury,…
Read MoreAlmost hot off the presses. I just received a copy of the cover of my newest book, Fee Agreements in Pennsylvania. I edited the book (now in its 6th edition) and authored one chapter. The book will be available for purchase in the next few weeks from the publisher, the…
Read MoreFor lawyers, the issue of social media - whether it is their use of it or, God forbid, their clients' use of it - is one that seems to pervade every area of their practices. As a result, many attorneys prefer the "head in the sand" approach, hoping that if…
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