Course Description:
Running a solo practice brings unique challenges that can expose attorneys to increased malpractice risks and ethical concerns. Using a 30-item checklist as the foundation, this program explores common pitfalls solo practitioners face and provides practical strategies to prevent and manage them. Participants will gain actionable insights into documentation, time management, and client care—all essential to maintaining professional responsibility and protecting both clients and the practice.
Learning Objectives:
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Identify the importance of thorough file documentation - including what the term "thorough" means - and how inadequate documentation can increase the risk of malpractice.
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Understand why taking care of oneself is so vitally important for a solo practitioner, both to maintain personal well-being and to prevent ethical lapses caused by burnout.
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Appreciate the value of calendaring best practices as a safeguard against malpractice claims related to missed deadlines or client communication failures.
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Identify the importance of designating a backup attorney to ensure continuity of representation and compliance with ethical obligations in the event of incapacity or unavailability.
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Implement practical, cost-effective cybersecurity measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure communication practices.
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Promote a firm-wide culture of cybersecurity awareness through staff training and clear protocols for identifying and responding to threats like phishing and social engineering.
Course Details
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CLE Credits
Alabama CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through December 31, 2025Alaska CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through September 07, 2026Arizona CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through September 07, 2026Arkansas CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through June 30, 2026California CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through September 07, 2026Colorado CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through December 31, 2027Connecticut CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through June 05, 2026Delaware CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through October 12, 2026District of Columbia CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralFlorida CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralGeorgia CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through December 31, 2027Idaho CLE
Pending for 1.5 Ethics
Available through June 05, 2029Indiana CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralIowa CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through October 13, 2026Kansas CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through October 12, 2026Kentucky CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralLouisiana CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralMaine CLE
Approved for 1.5 General
Available through June 04, 2027Maryland CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralMassachusetts CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralMichigan CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralMinnesota CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through June 04, 2026Missouri CLE
Approved for 1.8 Ethics, 1.8 Malpractice Prevention
Available through September 07, 2026Montana CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through June 25, 2027Nebraska CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through June 04, 2026New Hampshire CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through September 07, 2026New Jersey CLE
Approved for 1.8 Ethics
Available through October 12, 2026New Mexico CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through June 04, 2029New York CLE
Approved for 1.5 Law Practice Management
Available through June 05, 2026North Dakota CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralOklahoma CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralPuerto Rico CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralTennessee CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through June 04, 2026Texas CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through September 30, 2026US Virgin Islands CLE
Self Apply
1.5 GeneralUtah CLE
Approved for 1.5 Professionalism
Available through December 31, 2025Vermont CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through September 07, 2026Virginia CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through October 31, 2026Washington CLE
Approved for 1.5 Office Management
Available through June 04, 2029West Virginia CLE
Approved for 1.8 Ethics
Available through June 04, 2029Wisconsin CLE
Self Apply for 1.5 General
Available through December 31, 2025Wyoming CLE
Approved for 1.5 Ethics
Available through October 13, 2026 -
Presenter
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 1,200 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 topics including risk management, legal ethics, and cybersecurity.
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.
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Format/Length
Format: On-Demand | Audio & Video
Length: 90 Minutes -
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