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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

Since 1998, Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq. has been a Risk Manager with ALPS, an attorney’s professional liability insurance carrier. In his tenure with the company, Mr. Bassingthwaighte has conducted over 1200 law firm risk management assessment visits, presented over 600 continuing legal education seminars throughout the United States, and written extensively on risk management, ethics, and technology. Mr. Bassingthwaighte is a member of the State Bar of Montana as well as the American Bar Association where he currently sits on the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility’s Conference Planning Committee. He received his J.D. from Drake University Law School.

3 min read

In Pursuit of Happiness

I invite you to think about and answer the following three questions. Would you describe yourself as someone who is generally happy as an attorney? Are you proud of and satisfied with your professional accomplishments? Is a sense of purpose present...

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3 min read

How To Address The Shadow IT Problem

What is shadow IT? Let me start with a story I heard recently. A law firm had in place a written policy that set forth a list of approved services,...

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4 min read

Are Impaired Lawyers Insurable?

Multiple lawyers and firms have reached out to me over the years, each concerned about impairment and wanting to discuss their options. In light of...

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11 min read

ALPS In Brief – Episode 60: The New Normal? Don’t Get Too Comfy…

As we transition to more permanent work-from-home schedules, the lack of supervision and a diminished sense of community could have bigger...

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6 min read

The Risks That Come with Serving on a Corporate Board

Underwriters in the legal malpractice insurance space often exercise caution when reviewing applications of firms that have one or more attorneys...

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4 min read

Why It’s Important To Keep Your Emotions In Check After Learning a Malpractice Claim Is In The Works

It’s quite normal for an attorney to have an emotional response after learning a malpractice claim is on the way. Problems arise, however, if the...

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12 min read

ALPS In Brief – Episode 59: When Things Go Off the Rails

Mark shares some stories of cancelled flights, employment emergencies, and more, to illustrate a timely point: When things go off the rails, being...

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3 min read

Are Impaired Attorneys Insurable?

Several concerned lawyers recently reached out to me each wanting to discuss attorney impairment. In light of these conversations and with a desire...

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5 min read

Why Purchasing Legal Malpractice Insurance Is Always a Good Business Decision

As a risk manager for a nationwide legal malpractice insurer, I am sure it comes as no surprise that I believe the purchase of legal malpractice...

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4 min read

Are You Giving Your Clients Non-Verbal Cues About Your Competency as a Lawyer?

The number of times I’ve observed or heard about a problematic nonverbal interaction with a client (to which the involved lawyer or staff member was...

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11 min read

ALPS In Brief - Episode 58: The Vera Project

Mark Bassingthwaighte: Hello, I’m Mark Bassingthwaighte, the risk manager here at ALPS. And welcome to another episode of ALPS In Brief, the...

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5 min read

What Lawyers Should Be Thinking About before Entering into an of Counsel Relationship

The term “of counsel” has multiple meanings. It has been used as an honorary designation for retired partners, a special designation for firm...

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3 min read

Why Don't Malpractice Policies Typically Cover Consulting Work? Understanding the Ancillary Services Coverage Concern

Market forces drive change and, at times, even bring about innovation. So, in response, when a lawyer or firm decides to adjust the business model...

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