July 19, 2017 | Texas Lawyer
What Every Replacement Counsel Should KnowAttorney-client relationships, like most relationships, can be good or bad. Sometimes they begin well, but circumstances can change rapidly, right in the middle of a case.
By Shari Klevens and Randy Evans
6 minute read
July 19, 2017 | The Recorder
Issues for Associates to Consider When Changing FirmsIn today's legal environment, it has become extremely unlikely that an attorney will stay at a single law firm throughout her entire career. Instead, attorneys now frequently change firms in search of better opportunities or better fits. This is especially true for associates, who may change firms multiple times early in their career before they find the right home.
By Randy Evans and Shari Klevens
6 minute read
July 11, 2017 | The Recorder
Consider Retaining Outside Counsel to Defend Against Motions to DisqualifyNo matter how many precautions are taken, most law firms inevitably face a motion to disqualify at some point, particularly with regard to lateral hires while a case is ongoing. Even if the motion is completely meritless, law firms should take every motion to disqualify seriously given the potential risks to the law firm. Indeed, law firms may find that retaining outside counsel is preferable to going it alone when defending a motion to disqualify.
By Randy Evans and Shari Klevens
11 minute read
July 06, 2017 | Connecticut Law Tribune
Protecting Against Unexpected Conflicts of InterestSome attorneys are ignorant of the risks that can be created outside the traditional attorney-client relationship.
By Randy Evans and Shari Klevens
7 minute read
July 05, 2017 | The American Lawyer
Three Tips for Handling the Difficult Decision to DownsizeWhen downsizing becomes necessary, it can be an extremely difficult and emotional process. However, a messy breakup benefits no one. Law firms can instead invest the time and resources to help ensure a smooth transition for the departing attorneys and staff.
By Randy Evans and Shari L. Klevens, Dentons US
5 minute read
July 05, 2017 | The Recorder
Navigating Common Interest and Joint Defense AgreementsWhen multiple parties are involved in a matter, there may be situations when the parties' interests align or when the parties can mutually benefit from…
By Randy Evans and Shari Klevens
5 minute read
June 28, 2017 | The Recorder
Accurately Completing a Legal Malpractice Insurance ApplicationLaw firms renewing or replacing their current legal malpractice policy may be tempted to relegate the significance of the insurance application. Filling…
By Randy Evans and Shari Klevens
10 minute read
June 21, 2017 | Connecticut Law Tribune
Tensions Between Government Investigations and Attorney-Client ConfidentialityWhat would you do if the FBI, or some other government agency, came knocking on your door asking questions about a client who is of interest, but not yet the subject of a formal investigation? Do you disclose details of your client's business? Do you show them financial documents and legal files?
By SHARI KLEVENS and RANDY EVANS, Dentons
11 minute read
June 21, 2017 | The Recorder
Unique Ethical Risks for LitigatorsAs with other lawyers, litigators must comply with applicable ethics rules, professional standards of care and professional obligations. Indeed, the California Rules of Professional Conduct and the California Business and Professional Code apply to all attorneys practicing within the state. But the obligations for litigators in applying those rules, standards and obligations can differ from other practices. The following issues can present unique challenges for litigators that are not faced by their peers in the profession.
By Randy Evans and Shari Klevens
14 minute read
June 13, 2017 | The Recorder
Choosing Appropriate Malpractice Insurance CoveragePicking the right legal malpractice insurance policy can be a daunting task. Procuring appropriate coverage generally involves balancing a law practice's unique malpractice risk factors against the price of coverage—and finding the right fit.
By Randy Evans and Shari Klevens
12 minute read