Advice, support and resources to help our insured practitioners manage the risks of practice.
Your policy requires that you give LPLC immediate notice of any claim first made against you during the policy period, or any circumstance which might give rise to a claim of which you become aware during the policy period. We encourage early notification as this enables us to take action, or provide advice and guidance, so as to minimise any loss or damage that might occur.
The Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Reform Bill (the Bill) was introduced into the Victorian Parliament on 20 March 2024. The reforms are expected to pass into law in early May before commencing on 1 July 2024.
Matthew Cridland, Partner at K&L Gates, has provided a comprehensive overview as a guide to the reforms and CIPT tax, and key risk management tips for practitioners acting in these matters.
The cybersecurity environment is constantly changing and with the release of the VLSB+C Minimum Cybersecurity Expectations, all practitioners have an immediate requirement to ensure that they are complying with current standards.
Presented by LPLC Risk Manager and experienced cyber lawyer, Dr Fabian Horton, this recorded webinar is designed to equip all practitioners, especially those without in-house cyber security advisors, with an understanding of the expectations and common cyber threats so that they can upgrade their mitigation strategies to protect their practices.
The decision to sue a client for unpaid legal fees can be met with an allegation of negligence. LPLC sees claims where practitioners have then become stuck in expensive and stressful disputes and litigation, where the cost and time dealing with the counterclaim has outweighed the unpaid fees.
Our LIJ article provides some risk management tips for practitioners contemplating legal action for unpaid fees as well as measures to implement from the outset of a matter to help avoid being in this difficult situation.
LPLC is seeing a continuing trend of duty claims arising from the transfer of property between spouses or domestic partners, where the lawyer assists the client to claim an exemption from duty on the transfer under section 43 of the Duties Act 2000 (Vic), when the client does not in fact meet the exemption criteria.
What often follows is an audit by the SRO who identify that the exemption was not valid, and the client is issued with an assessment for land transfer duty, along with penalty tax and interest.
This article touches on the circumstances that commonly lead to these claims and importantly provides tips to minimise the risk when advising clients that are considering transferring property to a spouse or partner.
Text messages and instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp and WeChat are used by some practitioners to communicate with their clients.
While messaging can be a convenient and efficient communication tool, its use gives rise to a number of challenges and risks for law firms including record retention, data security and confidentiality.
This LPLC article covers these common risks, and provides some tips on how to avoid them.
A recent NSW decision is an important reminder for lawyers that care must be taken when giving undertakings.
Solicitors’ undertakings should only be given where their fulfillment is within the practitioner’s direct control. Undertakings are usually strictly enforced and can give rise to serious consequences if breached.
Our March LIJ article provides a summary of the case and some tips to minimise risk when considering the use of an undertaking.
The LPLC Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance portal is open for processing renewals for the 2024–25 year for private law practices.
Our office will be closed from 5pm on Thursday 21 December 2023 and will re-open at 9am on Monday 8 January 2024.
LPLC’s office will relocate to new premises at Level 19, 140 William Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 from Monday 15 January 2024. Phone and email contact details remain unchanged.
The State Taxation Acts and Other Acts Amendment Act 2023 received Royal Assent on 12 December 2023. The new law introduces significant property tax changes in Victoria with effect from 1 January 2024.
LPLC runs a yearly calendar of risk management seminars and workshops for our insured firms and practitioners. We cover a variety of topics relating to the underlying causes of claims.
A podcast series that explores how to minimise and manage risk through buiding good business culture and approaches. In each episode listen as Heather Hibberd, LPLC's Chief Risk Manager, and an expert guest in conversation share stories and provide insights to help you build YOUR successful legal practice.
A 90-minute workshop for practitioners to review legal practice management fundamentals. It is suitable for practitioners setting up a new firm, recently established firms or principals who want a practice management refresher.
Watch and download session slides.
Topics include:
Solicitor's certifcates | Supervision | Conveyancing | Maximising Office 365 | The Engagement Habit