Put Into Practice 
Newsletter  

November 2019
by Jay Reeves

Quick: name one good thing that's happened to you today.
 
Maybe more than one springs quickly to mind. You can name a handful of happy occurrences. If so, here's Summary Judgment in your favor.
 
But if you're struggling to come up with a single reason to be grateful, if you're drawing a mental blank trying to picture one positive scene from home or work, if your day has been truly, deeply, irreparably thankless ... well, then, I have a bit of advice. 
 
Read more

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Over the past several years, Lawyers Mutual has repeatedly warned attorneys about wire fraud scams that can result in the diversion of funds to a hacker.  While wire fraud remains an active and significant risk, it is important to remember that other potential scams may also be lurking in your inbox.
 
In the last few months, we have received several reports of North Carolina lawyers being targeted by counterfeit check scams.  These scams have been around for years and can cause significant losses if attorneys and staff are not vigilant.
 
For tips and red flags to help your firm avoid becoming the victim of a counterfeit check scam, click here.
Lawyers Mutual Gets Hairy for Men's Wellness in Movember
   
Your health and wellness should always be a top priority as you navigate the demands of a busy life. Too often we suffer and stay silent, unnecessarily shortening our lives.
 
Personal wellness also plays an important role in your professional performance, especially as busy lawyers focusing on the needs of clients. And the more mistakes we make, the more stressed, depressed, and anxious we become.
 
Never forget, Lawyers Mutual is always a phone call away.
 
Given the national focus on men's health and wellness this month, Lawyers Mutual is celebrating Movember.
 
In This Issue
Quick Links
BOOK REVIEW
Coaching for Attorneys: Improving Productivity and Achieving Balance
Lawyers have a lot on their plates and often the working day doesn't end when you pack up your briefcase and leave the office.  
 
Have you heard the news?  
 
Lawyers Mutual moved into the building across the parking lot from our previous location.  Our new street address is 1001 Winstead Drive, Suite 285, Cary, NC 27513The mailing address/post office box remains the same. Please update your records accordingly.  Thank you.
THANK YOU

Thank you to our insureds who are providing valuable feedback as we continue our Client Experience Survey.
SPECIAL SECTIONS
 
WELLNESS CORNER  
SupportForStaff 
 
Take A Breath  
 

Patrick Brown   
Vice President, Enterprise and Operational Risk Management

 
Laura Mahr
Conscious Legal Minds LLC
If you are a PC user running Windows, you are hopefully using Windows 10.
 
If you are not, now is a great time to consider upgrading to keep your systems up to date and secure!
 
Most of us are looking for ways to relieve stress, especially professional stress inherent in practicing law. One of the most effective, readily available, and free tools to release stress is often overlooked: taking a breath.   
 
 
Upcoming CLE Programs
Lawyers Mutual 2019-2020 Put Into Practice CLE Series 

Date and  Location
Fri., Nov. 22, 2019 - Concord
Wed., Jan. 22, 2020 - Greenville
Thu., Jan. 23, 2020 - New Bern
Fri., Jan. 24, 2020 - Wrightsville Beach
Thu., Feb. 6, 2020 - Cary (morning or afternoon)

To register: Click the city for the date and location you would like to attend. For Cary attendees, please select either the morning or afternoon program.

Approved for North Carolina State Bar CLE credit:
1 hour Ethics/Professionalism credit
2 hours General credit (includes the required Technology hour)

Program Details
 
Professional Misconduct Allegations
This program will focus on u nderstanding the grievance process, the most common complaints, tips for responding, and how to avoid them altogether.
 
Cybersecurity Without Breaking the Bank
This program will provide an overview of legal and regulatory considerations in light of emerging technologies while spotlighting that any size law firm is susceptible.

This Case is Killing Me
Lawsuits can be stressful (and lawsuits against YOU can be even more stressful) - on clients, attorneys, carriers, and others. This panel will address the stresses of representing difficult clients and how to prevent those cases from evolving into a legal malpractice claim.
Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services and The Law Practice Exchange present What's Your Law Firm Continuity Plan?  - The Secrets of Buying, Selling and Other Succession Strategies Available to Lawyers to Continue to Practice Without Fear (VIDEO REPLAYS) 

Date and location:
Fri., Nov. 22, 2019 - Hickory

Save the Date for these future programs:
Mon., Dec. 9, 2019 - Wilkesboro
Tue., Dec. 17, 2019 - Greenville
Thu., Jan. 23, 2020 - Rocky Mount
Thu., Jan. 30, 2020 - Pinehurst
Tue., Feb. 11, 2020 - Boone
Wed., Feb. 12, 2020 - Manteo
Mon., Feb. 17, 2020 - Winston-Salem
Tue., Feb. 18, 2020 - Charlotte
Wed., Feb. 19, 2020 - Gastonia
Mon., Feb. 24, 2020 - Greensboro
Thu., Feb. 26, 2020 - Asheville

To register: Click the city for the date and location you would like to attend.
What's Your Law Firm Continuity Plan? Join us to learn the Secrets of Buying, Selling and Other Succession Strategies Available to Lawyers to Continue to Practice Without Fear. Topics include opportunities and challenges in selling your practice, the keys to a successful transition, how to value a law practice and find a potential buyer, and more.
LM Title presents the 1st annual Concord Real Property CLE 

Date
Friday, November 22, 2019
12:45 pm-3:30 pm

Includes lunch, 2 hours CLE*, and cocktail reception.

Location
Jim 'N Nick's Community Barb-B-Q
7791 Gateway Lane NW
Concord, NC 28027

*1 hour ethics, 1 hour general credit. Pending approval from the NC state Bar.
Program Details
 
Estates and Title Opinions - Death is inevitable. A look at how title passes through the estate of a decedent, the three questions a title examiner should ask as they review an estate file in the Clerk's office, and some common issues we face in dealing with estates in the back title. 
 
Ethically Closing Real Estate Transactions - A review and discussion of new and common issues which arise in commercial and residential closings, including: dealing with conflicts in real estate practice - representation of both buyer and seller; safeguarding client files and funds; liability for title work and disclosure of material facts. New ethics opinions will be examined and tips provided to stay in compliance.

Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services presents the 3rd Annual North Carolina Managing Partners Summit 

Date
March 17, 2020 
 
Location   
NC State Bar Building
217 East Edenton Street
Room 203
Raleigh, NC 27601

Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services is proud to present the annual North Carolina Managing Partners Summit. The Summit is designed to provide business of law education and networking opportunities for North Carolina managing partners and firm leaders.
 
 Click here for more information and to register.