2023 CLIA Annual Report – Message From the Chair
The 2023 CLIA Annual Report can now be found on the CLIA website. The following message is from Allan Fineblit, K.C., CLIA Board Chair as his term as Chair and Board member ends. We’d like to thank Allan for his contribution to CLIA and for being a “huge fan”.
Thinking About Excess Cyber Coverage?
If you use the internet in any capacity, you and your law firm are targets for a cyber-attack. Cyber-attacks are unwelcome attempts to steal, expose, alter, disable, or destroy information through unauthorized access to computer systems. Cyber insurance provides coverage for lawyers and law firms who may fall victim to a wide range of cyber-attacks.
Bite Size CPD Series: Artificial Intelligence
A new series focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), including an overview of what it is, its strengths and weaknesses and your duties as a lawyer when using AI. While some episodes focus on the new Law Society Artificial Intelligence Guidelines, useful information is included for all. See also our recent post on Generative AI Guidance for information regarding guidelines in your jurisdiction.
Everything You Need To Know About The Voluntary Excess Program Renewal
The CLIA Voluntary Excess Program (VEP) renewal/new applications is open. This is a month earlier than previous years due to feedback received from our customers.
Bite Size CPD Series: Cyber Security
For nearly three years, the Law Society of Saskatchewan has developed the Bite Size CPD Series. These informative under-10-minute video episodes cover a variety of topics and are available for all to view on the Law Society website. A new episode is released each Thursday.
Effective Email Communication
Effective communication with your client is key to avoiding claims. The Lawyer’s Insurance Association of Nova Scotia (LIANS) has compiled several useful communication tips on their website.
Do You Need Excess Insurance?
Excess insurance provides another layer of security should your defence and indemnity costs exceed the primary mandatory limits. As the value of client’s transactions increases over time, so too does the need to secure adequate levels of Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. One large claim could quickly erode the primary policy, leaving you or your firm exposed to significant personal liability.
The 7 C’s of Effective Communication
Failure to communicate effectively with clients is the common factor in a large percentage of errors and omissions claims. The Lawyer’s Insurance Association of Nova Scotia (LIANS) has compiled several useful communication tips on their website.
From the Vault: CLIA Loss Prevention Bulletin #208: Malpractice Avoidance – Some Friendly Reminders
At the spring 2012 American Bar Association Standing Committee on Lawyers’ Professional Liability National Legal Malpractice Conference, Ronald C. Minkoff, Laura Frankel, Richard A. Simpson and Robert H. Moses presented a session on professional liability claims arising out of a family law practice.
Passing of Former CLIA Board member, Phyllis A. Smith KC
It recently came to our attention that Phyllis A. Smith, KC , former CLIA Board Member, passed away.
To Take a File or Not Take a File
Before Samuel Teichroew went to law school, he met with Barney Christianson to talk about rural legal practice.
We Listened! Voluntary Excess Program Renewal Opening Early - May 1
Each year, CLIA receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from our Voluntary Excess Program (VEP) customers about the ease of our renewal process.
Course: Mental Health and Wellness in the Legal Profession
CLIA recognizes the importance of promoting wellness for the profession. Courses designed to help lawyers recognize the symptoms of mental health issues in their colleagues and themselves, and that offer supports and treatment options are invaluable.
Cyber Employee Awareness Training
As noted in our post, Understanding Your Cyber Coverage, minimum standards must be in place in order for you to be eligible under the Mandatory Cyber Program:
Understanding Your Cyber Coverage
Recently, we had the privilege of providing an overview of CLIA’s Cyber Coverage to Saskatchewan lawyers at the CBA Saskatchewan Mid-Winter Meeting. Now we’d like to make sure the lawyers in our other Subscriber jurisdictions understand what cyber coverage they have under the Mandatory Cyber insurance program, the eligibility requirements for this coverage and that excess cyber coverage is available.
Hacked Email Fraud Alert
CLIA Subscriber jurisdictions continue to see claims involving hacked emails. This is also known as social engineering - where fraudulent electronic communications or websites designed to impersonate you or your firm cause you damage.
Roundup: Time Management Tips
As previously noted in our post on limitation periods, Roundup: Avoiding Missed Limitation Periods, human error and inadequate office systems are two of the reasons lawyers miss deadlines, including limitation period. Improving time management skills can help.
Recent BC Case Highlights Dangers of Generative AI
The recent Supreme Court of British Columbia decision, Zhang v. Chen, 2024 BCSC 285, highlights the danger in relying on generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, for legal research. The lawyer in this case relied upon two non-existent cases, which were discovered subsequently to have been invented by ChatGPT.
Generative AI Guidance
With the explosion of Generative AI and the subsequent confusion and misuse by lawyers, several useful resources have been created to assist lawyers to better understand how lawyers can incorporate AI into their practice and professional responsibility considerations.
Roundup: Avoiding Missed Limitation Periods
Missed limitation periods continues to be one of the most common claims areas for CLIA Subscriber jurisdictions. Some reasons for missing a limitation period are inadequate office systems, human error and applying the wrong legislation. To help, we’ve compiled resources developed by our Subscribers and Partners. While some of the resources included below may be jurisdiction specific, there are more general useful tips throughout to help you avoid missing limitation periods no matter your jurisdiction. If you’re aware of any other useful resources or tips, please let us know!