It seems that the ink is barely dry on your law school diploma when friends and family start asking for legal help. As lawyers, we want to help, and as family members we often feel like we can’t say no. Unfortunately, what the lawyer may see as a quick favor to a loved one, can result in the lawyer being faced with a costly malpractice or disciplinary action. This issue often happens when the family member’s expectation of what the lawyer agreed to do does not match what the lawyer thought was obvious and understood or when the lawyer takes on something they do not have experience with and should not handle. While a lawyer might think their family member would never sue them, the family member may end up facing a significant loss for which they blame the lawyer.“…So Do You Think I Have a Case?”
This program discusses many of the pitfalls lawyers face when giving legal help to friends and family. It is intended to help you make considered decisions about whether to assist your family and friends with their legal matters, and if you do represent them, to do so without putting yourself in jeopardy.
Course Content
12:00pm - 12:05pmWelcome and Introduction
Jessica G. Kelly, Esq.,
Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP, Boston
12:05pm - 12:20pm
Creating ACP and Implied Attorney Client Relationships
Jessica G. Kelly, Esq.,
Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP, Boston
Heather L. LaVigne, Esq.,
Office of Bar Counsel, Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, Boston
12:20pm - 12:30pm
Competence
12:30pm - 12:35pm
Limited Assistance Representations
12:35pm - 12:45pm
Diligence
12:45pm - 12:55pm
Conflicts of Interest
12:55pm - 1:00pm
'Ask the Experts' Q&A Session and Key Takeaways
Please Note
The webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal.
There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only.
They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.
Speakers
FacultyJessica G. Kelly, Esq.,
Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP, Boston
Heather L. LaVigne, Esq.,
Office of Bar Counsel, Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, Boston
