solo and small firm resources

4 min read

How in the World Can You Not Know Who Your Client Is?

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Feb 7, 2024 7:00:00 AM

From time to time, I get involved in conversations with lawyers who have called in with a question or concern, and as we talk through the situation,...

14 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast - Episode 78: Succession Planning & Selecting a Backup Attorney

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Jan 11, 2024 8:00:00 AM

4 min read

What You Need to Know Before Applying for Your 1st Malpractice Insurance Policy

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Jan 4, 2024 11:07:48 AM

Here at ALPS, we do try our absolute best to make sure the application process is as seamless and convenient as possible. That said, if you have a...

2 min read

New Hampshire Bar Association endorses ALPS Insurance

Rio Peterson, Bar and Affinity Partnership Strategist: Dec 4, 2023 6:00:00 AM

We are thrilled to announce that as of December 1st, 2023, The New Hampshire Bar Association (NHBA) has named ALPS Insurance as an endorsed provider...

2 min read

Lawyers: Don't Let Clients Make Assumptions About Your Role

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Nov 15, 2023 8:00:00 AM

3 min read

Why It’s Important to Have Attorney Accountability Built Into Your Firm’s Conflict Checking Process

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Oct 18, 2023 10:00:00 AM

What happens in your firm if there’s a hit during a conflicts check? Hopefully, the conflict concern is immediately brought to the attention of the...

7 min read

Why the Use of an Engagement Letter Should Never Be Considered Optional

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Sep 20, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Engagement letters seem to be one of those documents most lawyers intellectually appreciate the value of but often underutilize. This letter simply...

3 min read

How to Avoid Common Co-Counsel Relationship Missteps

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Sep 7, 2023 10:00:00 AM

Co-counsel relationships are sometimes formed “on the fly,” meaning no thorough discussion as to who will be responsible for whatever occurs. This...

6 min read

How to Avoid Common Conflict of Interest Traps

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Aug 2, 2023 10:25:00 AM

Particularly in the solo and small firm setting, conflict missteps are often not a “whoops, we missed that name” kind of thing. More often the...

3 min read

Why It’s Important to Document Scope of Representation

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Aug 1, 2023 10:24:57 AM

I know lawyers get tired of hearing it and risk folk like me get tired of always having to say it; but there is real value in documenting scope of...

3 min read

What Non-Engagement Letters Really Do

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Jul 31, 2023 10:24:34 AM

Over the years I have found a real disparity among attorneys as to their willingness to write non-engagement letters. You know the one. It’s that...

3 min read

8 Safeguards to Ensure You Can Trust Your Law Firm Employees

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Jun 28, 2023 11:56:53 AM

I continue to be surprised at the number of times I learn that a law firm turned over complete oversight of client property to a non-attorney member...