show episodes
 
DHIA exists to help our customers and prospective customers find appropriate solutions for their business insurance needs. We created this podcast to provide an audio version of our informational resources. We deliver insightful information on Professional Liability Insurance, discuss business insurance solutions, and unpack the phases of running a business. Sign up for our email reminders on new episodes: https://share.hsforms.com/1oNwbKQW8SieD0oIeAMY1Hg34l7a
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Each Gatehouse Chambers Podcast episode gives an informal view of important legal issues impacting individuals as well as companies and other legal entities. They will be of interest particularly to legal practitioners, law students and those interested in joining the legal profession and also the general public. The Gatehouse Chambers Podcast series concentrates on topics arising from Chambers' key practice areas which are: commercial dispute resolution (including not only litigation in cou ...
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show series
 
In this episode, we are discussing cybersecurity in your email inbox. Email plays a critical role in our lives, which makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals. Understanding the desire for email access and the tactics used to get in is paramount. Underestimating cybercriminals by thinking your email information isn't captivating is fallacio…
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The leading cyber threat remains human error. A user's inadvertent actions create openings for cybercriminals to breach networks and gain unauthorized access to data. So, today, we are discussing how these errors happen, the tactics cybercriminals use to trick users, and some best practices for implementing and mitigating risk. Listen to our Season…
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Today, we are taking a deep dive into ransomware attacks. What they are, how long they've been around, and proactive measures you can take to protect your law firm from this cyber threat. Ransomware attacks have been around for decades, starting with a floppy disk in 1989. Evolving and creatively attacking businesses and everyday users to encrypt s…
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In this episode, we discuss multi-factor authentication, how it protects data, and why it should be used for everything. 2023 held the record for cybersecurity breaches in the legal industry, compared to the previous five years combined. Take today's episode as your sign to recognize the exposures and the vitality of safeguarding your information w…
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In this episode, we go over what a cybersecurity breach is, what it could mean for your law firm, and how you can prepare to protect your data. According to an article from Forbes Advisor, data breaches have increased 72% since 2021. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that more than 880,000 complaints were made by cybercrime victims…
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Tune in as we recap an interview with Managed IT expert Zachary Wilcoxen. He shares some important and manageable steps law firms can take to manage the risks associated with remote and hybrid workforces. For more on Zac's company, Pretect Managed IT Services, visit their website at https://pretect.us/. More resources for you: Cyber Liability Self-…
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Data Breaches are shockingly common. It's never safe to assume that your business isn't vulnerable. In this episode, we go over what Data Breach Insurance is, the two main types, and what it covers. We also share four tips to help protect your law firm and a valuable resource to quantify your risk. More resources for you: Cyber Liability Self-Asses…
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Can you financially survive a cyberattack? Are you as prepared as you want to be in terms of financial status, insurance coverage, or processes? This Cyber Liability Self-Assessment was designed to help you answer these vital questions in three thoughtful steps. Take your assessment and create an action plan. More resources for you: Cyber Liability…
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In this episode, we answer over a dozen questions commonly asked by attorneys and law firms about Professional Liability Insurance. Insurance policies differ. There are different types of insurance, forms, and carriers, and each carrier will be different. It's important to understand the policy you're purchasing. Ask questions and stay curious abou…
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In this episode, we are going over a few tips to help protect yourself when your professional liability insurance carrier offers an automatic renewal. As we talk about and often say here, Lawyers Professional Liability Insurance is a unique line of insurance. Its complexities require your vigilance. If your carrier offers an automatic or expedited …
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While it is essential to have a budget for Lawyers Liability Insurance, price should not be the sole determining factor. Law is dynamic, and your professional liability insurance should be tailored to fit your practice. If it's not, the money you spend on insurance is wasteful. In this episode, we want to help you understand why this common practic…
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If you think not reporting a potential claim is helpful or wise, this episode can help you avoid this common mistake! Attorneys purchase a Lawyers Professional Liability Insurance policy for various reasons. No matter your reason, understanding the rights you have under your policy and how not exercising your rights can be detrimental to your insur…
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Many factors can contribute to law firms being attractive to admitted insurance carriers. The good news is you can control some of them. One of our seasoned agents, Stephen Dimiceli, who is well-versed in attorney malpractice insurance sat down for an interview and talked through how attorneys can navigate their way back to the admitted market afte…
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No one likes unpleasant surprises, especially in business. An unwelcome surprise specific to a law practice is a legal malpractice claim. Some attorneys protect their practice with Lawyers Professional Liability Insurance in preparation for potential claims, but many assume a lawsuit won't happen to them. In this episode, we cover a few common scen…
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How soon should you involve your carrier when you're faced with a malpractice claim? Immediately. In this episode, we explain why immediate reporting is necessary and in your best interest. We also discuss whether there's ever a time that an attorney should represent themselves in a malpractice suit. After listening, go download your checklist to N…
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Understanding the differences between occurrence and claims-made policy forms can empower you to confidently purchase insurance that meets your unique needs. In this episode, we are going to break down what you need to know about these two different policy forms to · give you the knowledge and confidence to ask the right questions, · help you under…
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Don’t allow a lapse in communication to jeopardize the protection of your law practice. A continuously updated policy will save you time at renewal and will protect your law firm from any loss of coverage that can occur from an outdated policy. In this episode, we are going over some key changes you'll want to promptly report to your agent or carri…
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Understanding a carrier's thought processes regarding risk is not always straightforward. However, it's important to make an effort to understand areas of practice (AOPs) from a carrier's perspective. In this episode, we are shedding light on how a high claim frequency can impact a specific area of practice across the board, view high-severity AOPs…
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It is not uncommon for disgruntled clients of attorneys to list everyone in the building in a lawsuit. If you share office space with another attorney or law firm, you are susceptible to the same fate… Dealing with a lawsuit. In this episode, we discuss the challenges of shared office space, how the IRS can cramp your style, and how shared office s…
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Sharing office space with other attorneys can lead to unexpected complications and problems, which can result in your name being mentioned in a lawsuit unrelated to your legal services. Office sharing is common, and many attorneys make it work. Which is why today, we're going over some tips to reduce your legal exposure. Like most matters, focus on…
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According to the Washington Post, "Lawyers outranked other professionals on a 'loneliness scale in a survey of more than 1,600 workers". When you start your own law practice, this sense of isolation increases. Maintaining collegiality is challenging, but possible. In this episode, we're going to explore a couple of ways solo practitioners and small…
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You made it through law school, worked hard to start your practice, and strive to grow your firm… Now what? You protect it all as you build it to be all you've imagined. In today's episode, we are going over 7 quick tips to help you protect the law practice you've worked so hard to start and strive to grow. From the initial consultation with a pote…
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Tracking sales may seem like a simple process, but what you don’t know may be holding you back. As Edward Deming once said, "If you don't know how to ask the right questions, you discover nothing." We want to make sure you are asking the right questions so that you can uncover what your law firm is missing and take action to improve it. This episod…
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Navigating success is a forever-adapting formula. However, there are foundational cornerstones to help you maintain a clear roadmap no matter the outside forces. In Part 01 last week, we went over the importance of goal setting and reflection. Today we are covering our final three tips for law firm success: leveraging data and metrics, adapting to …
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Navigating success is a forever-adapting formula. However, there are foundational cornerstones to help you maintain a clear roadmap no matter the outside forces. This is Part 01 in a two-part episode where we will go over 5 strategies to keep in your law firm playbook. Today we dive into reflection and goal setting. Setting Goals is a dreaded task …
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Lawyers get a bad rap, and the legal system's nature makes it challenging for law firms to improve customer satisfaction scores. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), the challenge to making sure all clients are fully informed is so considerable that the number one complaint received by every state bar is that the lawyer didn’t keep the …
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Malpractice claims are bad news that can have negative consequences. They can make you less appealing to carriers, increase your insurance premiums, damage your professional reputation, and even result in conflicts with the state bar. With stakes this high, it is important to take all possible measures to prevent being hit with a malpractice suit. …
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Referrals can be a great way to expand your business. Learning how to ask for referrals can be an effective way to attract new client opportunities. Receiving a referral is the highest compliment you can receive as a professional. It is also cost-free advertising that can help you conserve the time you spend marketing your business. Listen in for s…
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Typically, individuals seek the services of a lawyer when something goes wrong, or they fear something might soon take a turn for the worse. Such situations can be a source of great stress and concern. This is an ideal setting for you to come to the rescue and put their mind at ease. Kevin Adams is the founder and CEO of Predictive Online Marketing…
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The process of loss prevention is the ability to identify or minimize the liability and risks threatening a law firm. Loss prevention is critical to law firms, and although allegations are made against a law firm and found groundless, a firm’s reputation may be compromised. In the past few years, there have been numerous publicly reported settlemen…
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“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” -Jim Rohn In this episode, we are discussing how evaluating how you use your time can be a game changer for your law practice. Squandered time is a leak in your profits. Taking the time to evaluate all your tasks and processes can help you identify where you c…
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Many lawyers believe that good work will draw business or that legal marketing requires a lot of money. They are incorrect; people need reminders, and you don’t need to break your budget to get your name out there. In this episode, we are sharing sixteen creative marketing ideas to help you take your law practice to the next level for little to no …
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As regulations change, the legal services industry is becoming a buyer's market, requiring law firms to adapt their business models. However, adopting an entrepreneurial mindset doesn't necessarily come naturally. Tip #1: Embrace technology. Effectively leveraging the latest software can fundamentally change how your firm handles common lower-value…
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Diverse members of the firm can play a critical role in the leadership of the firm. Having a diversity committee in your law firm will help ensure that you are looking for and working with outstanding lawyers from diverse backgrounds. This committee will identify and address challenges in four areas: mentoring, work opportunity and environment, edu…
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In this episode, we are going over the five basic categories of Alternative Fee Arrangements (AFA) for law firms. · Contingency · Flat fee · Capped fees · Holdback · Blended fees Are AFAs a Good Idea? The answer is yes and no. Creating a symbiotic relationship with clients to determine the most appropriate fee arrangement is key to ensuring the fee…
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Email has become an essential tool for communication. And in recent years, many organizations have faced legal action due to email messages. These lawsuits can arise from various allegations. In this episode, we are going over 7 key items to include in your email disclaimer. Listen to this quick episode for an overview before grabbing your Email Di…
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There are many reasons why billing is more difficult than it used to be. Adapting your billing practices can help you stay competitive. Tune in to this week's episode as we go over five quick tips to help you tackle the challenges of billing in your law firm. More resources for you: Cyber Liability Self-Assessment: https://hubs.ly/Q01SB3nd0 Busines…
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The way we communicate is constantly evolving, and this presents new challenges that can put attorney-client privilege at risk. In this episode, we will be sharing two lists of best practices that can help you mitigate these risks by adopting efficient communication and data storage practices. While these lists are not comprehensive, they will prov…
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Building trust with new clients is paramount, and word of mouth is what makes it the most powerful marketing tool for any business. Referrals and testimonials are how current clients branch the trust between you and others who may need your services. Listen to this week's episode to go over some tips to start receiving client referrals. We're going…
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Lawyers are in a field that requires them to give to society. However, lawyers still need to make money. So, are Free Consultations right for your law practice? In today's episode, we are going over 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages of Free Consultations and the types of cases where you can offer them. More resources for you: Business Plan Guide for…
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Those who work in an organized office are more efficient and productive than those who work in a messy space. Your firm is likely one of your biggest assets and largest revenue production source, so it is safe to say that it’s worth the extra time to keep it tidy. Listen to this week's episode for quick tips to tackle the organization gaps in your …
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In this episode we are re-evaluating the pricing structures of law firms. Are you still solely relying on timesheets to bill your clients? You won't want to miss this episode. Listen in as we go over the downsides of timesheets, the upsides of project-based pricing, and where timesheets may always have their place. Enjoy better relationships with y…
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Law school does not prepare you for the business side of running a law firm. Understanding the fundamental components of developing a business plan for your law firm is essential to success. In this week's episode we go over creating business plan objectives and the 5 key components to designing your Law Firm Business Plan. We created a guided temp…
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Managing expenses is critical for small law firms and small businesses. But you can’t neglect cyber security and basic effectiveness of your IT systems. Plan for success. That starts with knowing your options. Zac Wilcoxen runs Pretect managed IT services. He brings big-company IT expertise to small businesses – even solo practitioner law firms. Za…
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Change does not come naturally. But learning to leverage every tool at your disposal is often the difference between an average and exceptional law practice. Practice management software is the digital backbone of the modern law firm. It protects your firm from malpractice risks, automates client communications, tracks billable hours, streamlines p…
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Purchasing software is challenging for any business. It’s even harder for law firms. But the latest software is critical for keeping your firm competitive. Kory Kelly is a tech entrepreneur who helps law firms use software to increase efficiency and boost profits. He sat down for an interview and helped us understand the differences between practic…
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The way we practice law is changing. Technology is not the enemy, but rather an aid providing relief in the legal industry. It is important that law firms modernize their tech stack and workforce. Embracing the digital age and its new business models will bring many benefits to your practice. Invest the time and money into restructuring your outdat…
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You’re on the hook. And you probably have no idea. You’ve made everything secure. And then you got sued. How did this happen? The reality is you have unknown risk. It’s confounding. In this episode, we answer the following questions to help explain it: · Who owns the data when you’re using a third-party payment processor? · Who does the law prosecu…
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Cyber liability insurance is one of the bargains of the insurance industry. Like an umbrella policy, it provides broad coverage at a low cost. Most importantly, you don't want a cyber claim covered by other liability policies. In this episode we'll be going over: · What influences the cost of cyber liability insurance · Ways to minimize the cost of…
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Cyberattacks and data breaches hit companies of all sizes. To the surprise of many, it's the small and medium-sized businesses that get hit more. It's not a matter of "if", it's "when". When a cyberattack hits your business, will you be prepared to manage the crisis? Zac Wilcoxen, who runs Pretect managed IT services, sat down for an interview and …
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