As of Jan. 1, FDIC insurance available to IOLTA accounts will be $250,000 per owner of the funds (client), per financial institution, assuming that the account is properly designated as a trust account and proper accounting of each client’s funds is maintained. For the past two years, IOLTA and non-interest-bearing accounts enjoyed unlimited FDIC insurance coverage pursuant to Section 343 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. That provision was to be effective for two years with a sunset date of Dec. 31, 2012.
It seems that at least once a week my business associate, Danette Lilja, and I experience conduct by our colleagues that causes us to exclaim to each other, “And we worry about committing malpractice!” Based on numerous instances we’ve witnessed committed by other attorneys just in the past few months, I wonder if we’re some […]
This is the book—the best one I’ve run across—that you give to your niece, your younger cousin, or the college kid down the street when he or she asks whether law school is a good idea. In it, U.S. District Judge Frederic Block creates a funny and often-endearing portrait of the practice of law, and […]
“If Matthew Butterick didn’t exist, it would be necessary to invent him.” So begins Bryan A. Garner’s foreword to Butterick’s Typography for Lawyers. I can’t say I disagree with Garner (although I rarely do). Typography for Lawyers provides a new and necessary perspective on legal writing. Those fond of Garner’s work will likely find much […]
It’s the time of year when we give thanks, assess the year that has passed and plan for the year ahead. Although I am thankful for many people and events in my life, I have never really reflected on whether I am thankful for being an attorney. Upon reflection, I find that I am. I […]
Whether you are a newly licensed attorney or a seasoned professional, there is one thing you have in common with your peers—being asked for legal advice. Legal advice is your work product; it is how you’ve built your career and how you’ve made a living. Frequently, attorneys are asked for legal advice from all walks […]
Every week this month, in celebration of Legal Professionalism Month, the Colorado Bar Association will share a tip on professionalism. This week, CBA Professionalism Coordinating Council Co-chair Peter Goldstein discusses the importance of having a streamlined intake process to ensure a good start in relationships with new or prospective clients. Client Intake by Peter Goldstein […]
Every week this month, in celebration of Legal Professionalism Month, the Colorado Bar Association will share a tip on professionalism. This week, Colorado Court of Appeals Judge Richard L. Gabriel explains why it doesn’t pay to be a bulldog in the courtroom and how professionalism can boost your credibility, relationships with those involved in the […]
In honor of National Pro Bono Week, Solo in Colo’s Barb Cashman sits down with Sharon E. Mohr, an attorney who founded Elder Justice Colorado, a nonprofit focused on assisting Denver city and county seniors with legal issues. Elder Justice will host a training for attorneys from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, […]
Some days I cynically think that I should answer my office phone, “Free Legal Information Central.” You probably have days like that, too. I just had one of those calls and it provoked me to gripe about it in this blog post. Here’s how it went: “BL Speer & Associates, how may we help you?” […]
