OBLIC news, events and updates.

What Happens to Client Funds When Representation Ends? When representation ends, any unearned portion of a fee paid in advance (retainer) must be returned to the client. This obligation applies whether the matter concludes as planned, the client terminates the relationship, or the lawyer withdraws. At that point, funds held in trust remain client property […]

Benefits, Ethics, and Implementation Guidance for Ohio Law Firms Lawyers can make billing more predictable by using evergreen retainers, which maintain a consistent trust balance and reduce accounts receivable. This piece is part of a series discussing fee agreements and billing practices. In prior articles, we covered fee types, retainers, alternative fee models, fee agreement upgrades, and how […]

Dealing with difficult clients can present challenging situations. Recognizing red flags like unreasonable requests from a potential or existing client require careful consideration and managing expectations from the outset. What Are the Warning Signs of a Difficult Client? Unreasonable expectations Listen carefully to the client before you undertake representation. Early conversations to explore the client’s […]

Before you disburse funds, spot and stop fraud that steals from your law firm and your clients. Fraud schemes targeting lawyers are evolving — from business email compromise to AI-generated deepfakes. Criminals exploit the trust inherent in the lawyer–client relationship to pressure lawyers into disbursing funds quickly or to redirect client payments through deceptive communications. […]

Applying client funds from one matter to another can trigger trust-account and ethics issues. Read on to learn why the practice of cross-matter setoff is risky and how to avoid pitfalls. This piece is part of a series discussing Fee Agreements. In prior articles, we covered fee types, retainers, alternative fee models, and fee agreement upgrades. This week we dive […]

Fee Agreement Upgrades That Reduce Friction and Protect Revenue This piece is part of a series discussing Fee Agreements. In prior articles, we covered fee types, retainers, and alternative fee models. Below, we discuss what makes those models work day-to-day: fee agreement terms that support predictable billing, cleaner collection, and fewer payment disputes. In upcoming articles, we’ll cover other elements to include in […]

As the legal marketplace evolves, so do billing expectations. Many attorneys are experimenting with subscription or “maintenance” models, flat-rate projects, and AI-assisted billing systems. Advancements in AI-driven efficiencies are expected to bring increased value and quality to legal representation, contributing to the importance of reevaluating ethical alternative fee models. Earlier this month, our article “Getting […]

Popular culture and political pundits may offer reasons why our post-COVID world still seems chaotic. Whatever the reason, the reality is that attorneys are increasingly facing challenging client issues. Here are strategies for dealing with difficult clients.      Avoid getting involved with a difficult client in the first place! Avoiding difficult clients from the outset seems […]

Lawyers’ fees vary significantly, impacted by geographic location, firm size and prestige, area of law, and other factors. In 2024, according to ALM Global, hourly rates reached a peak of over $2,400. However, Statistica reports that the national average falls between $200 and $400, consistent with average rates seen across Ohio. This indicates a wide […]

You’ve received a request for a former client’s file. While your first reaction may be a groan, we hope the tips in this week’s email provide guidance that can simplify the process.  Who is making the request? What is the status of the file? How to assemble documents to satisfy the request? What should I […]