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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.

9 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast-Episode 3: Stay Away from the Gray Area. Reporting Claims.

There are a number of common questions that policyholders ask in regards to reporting claims. In this episode, ALPS Claims Attorney John Ries talks with Mark about some of questions he often hears. John also sheds light on why it’s important for...

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3 min read

Considering Limited Scope Representation? Don’t Play Fast and Loose with the RPCs.

Let’s review the basics. ABA Model Rule 1.2 (c) allows a lawyer to limit the scope of the representation if the limitation is reasonable under the...

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5 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast-Episode 2: Insurance as an Investment, Not Just a Line Item

Mark sits down with Julie Patterson, a longtime ALPS Business Development Representative, bringing with her two decades of experience helping law...

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6 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast-Episode 1: A Cyber Breach - It’s Not If, It’s When.

ALPS In Brief, The ALPS Risk Management Podcast, is hosted by ALPS Risk Manager, Mark Bassingthwaighte. While in Missoula, Libby Benet, U.S. Lead...

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4 min read

Why Declinations Really Do Need to Be Tracked

I’ve always been curious about why some attorneys never take the time to make sure that at least the name of every declined prospective client makes...

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4 min read

Data Security – It’s Time to Stop Making Excuses

(Updated May 19, 2023) The days when an attorney could send an unencrypted email without worry, remain blissfully ignorant about encrypting a...

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3 min read

Try Not To Be A Patsy, Seriously.

I’m not sure why, but I’ve always had a fondness for the word patsy. While the word doesn’t seem to be in wide use anymore, I personally believe the...

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4 min read

How To Identify The Potential Clients You Really Should Say No To

(Updated March 2024) Everyone makes a wrong decision now and again. Unfortunately, if the wrong decision was agreeing to take on a client that you...

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4 min read

Don't Minimize The Importance Of Managing Your Side Of the Attorney-Client Relationship

Over the years, numerous articles have been written on how to successfully manage attorney-client relationships. Typically, these articles emphasize...

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4 min read

If You Failed To Document It, It Never Happened.

(Updated March 2024) Please, can we just acknowledge that lawyers as a group are terrible when it comes to properly and thoroughly documenting their...

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3 min read

Yes, Virginia, There Really Are Accidental Clients

I will admit that I occasionally enjoy a well-crafted cocktail. That said, whenever I find myself in a situation where such beverages are being...

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Nonprofit Board

4 min read

When Nonprofit Boards Come Calling

Look, I get it. An opportunity to sit on the board of a local nonprofit is finally yours for the taking. It’s a charitable cause you strongly...

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4 min read

How To Minimize The Risk Of Becoming A Victim Of Wire Fraud

Updated 07/2023 Lawyers remain a high-profile target for scammers hoping to get away with wire fraud and the attack vectors they are using continue...

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