Professional Liability Blog

Attorneys can run afoul of the rules of professional conduct in a variety of ways. One of the most common ways is by ignoring a client’s matter. The Ohio Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline recently sanctioned an attorney for just that. On review, the Ohio Supreme Court then upheld the majority of the sanctions, though it did reduce the imposed penalty.

Attorneys are well aware a law firm’s partner(s) can take actions that may result in liability for all partners of the firm. Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) may offer some additional protection in this area by precluding personal liability for the acts of another limited liability partner.

Attorneys and other professionals, while aware of the rules of professional conduct, are also aware not all of their colleagues uphold the trust their clients place in them. Commonly, lawyers form and create partnerships, which present the opportunity for mutual gains but also expose attorneys who uphold the ideals of the profession to the potential failures of others.