File Management and Ensuring Password Access

The LPM Department Law Practice Management, Succession Planning

 |Succession PlanningFile Management and Ensuring Password AccessWritten byThe LPM DepartmentNovember 20, 2024Share this PostTable of Contents Rules & Ethics Practice Tips Fee Agreement Language Closing Files Password Access Checklist  Sample Policy ⇚ Back Managing accrued closed files can be a daunting task if an attorney has not employed file management or file retention and destruction …

Practice Tips on File Destruction

The LPM Department Closing a Practice, Law Practice Management

 |Law Practice ManagementPractice Tips on File DestructionWritten byThe LPM DepartmentOctober 21, 2024Share this PostIntroduction In Texas, there is no bright line rule that states when a client file can be destroyed. Thes practice tips are based on the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the guidance provided in a few ethics opinions. Applicable Rules …

An attorney sitting at his desk just before he closes his law practice

Checklist for Closing Your Own Practice Without a Successor

The LPM Department Closing a Practice, Law Practice Management

Law Practice Management |Checklist for Closing Your Own Practice Without a SuccessorWritten byThe LPM DepartmentSeptember 20, 2024Share this PostIt is important to create a transition plan with a timeline for closing your practice when you do not intend to sell your practice or transfer it to a successor attorney or firm. The following checklist outlines some …

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Alternative Fee Arrangements

The LPM Department Law Practice Management, Starting a Practice

 |Starting a PracticeAlternative Fee ArrangementsWritten byThe LPM DepartmentMay 13, 2024Share this PostNotes: In addition to the legal ethics considerations listed in the table, see Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.04 regarding fees and Rule 5.04 regarding fee sharing. Other than a true nonrefundable retainer agreement, which are relatively rare, any fees paid to …

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Nonrefundable Retainers: Proceed with Caution

The LPM Department Law Practice Management, Starting a Practice

 |Starting a PracticeNonrefundable Retainers: Proceed with CautionWritten byThe LPM DepartmentFebruary 28, 2024Share this PostIt’s tempting to put a nonrefundable retainer clause in your standard fee agreement. The client agrees that the funds are earned upon receipt so the money can go straight into your operating account. No need to mess with trust or IOLTA accounts. …

How to Obtain a Refund of Unearned Fees You Paid Your Attorney

The LPM Department Law Practice Management, Resources for the Public

 |Resources for the PublicHow to Obtain a Refund of Unearned Fees You Paid Your AttorneyWritten byThe LPM DepartmentJanuary 18, 2024Share this PostIf you attorney has died, closed their office, or is otherwise not able to be located, here are some suggestions for locating your client file or documents, like a will. If Your Attorney Has …

Locating Your Client File, Documents, or Will

The LPM Department Law Practice Management, Resources for the Public

 |Resources for the PublicLocating Your Client File, Documents, or WillWritten byThe LPM DepartmentJanuary 18, 2024Share this PostIf your attorney has died, closed their office, or is otherwise not able to be located, here are some suggestions for locating your client file or documents, like a will. 1) If the attorney has died: Contact the State …