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Insurance Glossary

The world of insurance for law firms can be confusing, and difficult to navigate. We've created this glossary because these common insurance terms should be easy to understand.

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Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq., serves as Risk Manager at ALPS, a leading provider of insurance and risk management solutions for law firms. Since joining ALPS in 1998, Mark has worked with more than 1200 law firms nationwide, helping attorneys identify vulnerabilities, strengthen firm operations, and reduce professional liability risks. He has presented over 700 continuing legal education (CLE) seminars across the United States and written extensively on the topics of risk management, legal ethics, and cyber security. A trusted voice in the legal community, Mark is a member of the State Bar of Montana and the American Bar Association and holds a J.D. from Drake University Law School. His mission is to help attorneys build safer, more resilient practices in a rapidly evolving legal environment.

7 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast – Episode 23: Have You Talked to Nancy Yet?

At ALPS we talk a lot about what makes us different. We can say with confidence that it is because we recognize our people as our greatest asset. If you’ve ever called ALPS over the past 18 years then it’s very likely that you’ve spoken with Nancy...

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2 min read

A Decision to Share Office Space Can Be a Great One, Except When It Isn’t.

Some attorneys prefer working in an office share setting. And look, I get it. The reasons for doing so can be compelling. There’s the savings on...

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3 min read

Rethinking Your Backup Strategy in Light of Ransomware Threats

You’ve got a very serious problem on your hands should your firm’s computer network ever become infected with ransomware, which is a type of malware...

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Are women attorneys a better insurance risk?

8 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast - Episode 21: Are Women Attorneys a Better Risk?

In this episode of the ALPS In Brief podcast, ALPS Risk Manager Mark Bassingthwaighte sits down with ALPS Underwriting Manager Leah Gooley to dig a...

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12 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast – Episode 20: Can We Still Trust Photographic Evidence?

We may have reached, “a fairly critical point where traditional photographic evidence just isn’t as reliable as it used to be.” This according to...

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12 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast – Episode 19: A Conversation with Brian Cuban, Author of ‘The Addicted Lawyer’

Addiction, substance abuse and the resulting professional and personal fallout can destroy careers and lives. As another wonderful addition to our ...

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1 min read

Why You Want to Avoid a Malpractice Insurance Coverage Gap

Legal malpractice insurance policies are claims-made and reported policies. This means coverage is afforded if a malpractice claim is made and...

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9 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast - Episode 18: Diet and Exercise – A Manner of Living

Being busy is often an excuse for not taking care of ourselves, whether that means long days in the office or racking up the airline miles for...

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a lawyer is using public wifi despite the cybersecurity threats to his firm by doing so

4 min read

Public Wi-Fi – Should Lawyers Just Say No?

In today’s world, people frequently work outside of their offices. They may be working while visiting a coffee shop, sitting at an airport, staying...

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14 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast - Episode 17: Studying Self-Medication and Seeking a Remedy

Patrick R. Krill, JD, LLM shifted from the practice of law to addiction counseling at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. In partnership with the...

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10 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast - Episode 16: Attorney Well-Being

Mark Bassingthwaighte sat down with ALPS’ Executive Vice President Chris Newbold earlier this year to discuss the topic of Attorney well-being....

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4 min read

Can Lawyers Add Surcharges to Their Bills?

Two quick stories. Years ago, I had a plumbing emergency. The short version is I discovered a broken water line in my kitchen on a Thanksgiving eve....

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4 min read

Managing File Handoffs

Believe it or not, file handoffs can lead to trouble if not properly managed. It doesn’t matter if the handoff is from a partner to an associate,...

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