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Insurance Glossary

The world of insurance for law firms can be confusing, and difficult to navigate. We've created this glossary because these common insurance terms should be easy to understand.

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Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager

Since 1998, Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq. has been a Risk Manager with ALPS, an attorney’s professional liability insurance carrier. In his tenure with the company, Mr. Bassingthwaighte has conducted over 1200 law firm risk management assessment visits, presented over 600 continuing legal education seminars throughout the United States, and written extensively on risk management, ethics, and technology. Mr. Bassingthwaighte is a member of the State Bar of Montana as well as the American Bar Association where he currently sits on the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility’s Conference Planning Committee. He received his J.D. from Drake University Law School.

2 min read

Why You Should Never Minimize the Significance of Client Driven Indemnity Provisions

I continue to get the occasional call from a lawyer wanting to know my thoughts about a new business opportunity. It’s a call that often starts out with the lawyer sharing that so and so company wants the lawyer to be their exclusive local point...

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Confused Lawyer

4 min read

How in the World Can You Not Know Who Your Client Is?

From time to time, I get involved in conversations with lawyers who have called in with a question or concern, and as we talk through the situation,...

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A lawyer  sits on the floor applying for malpractice insurance online

4 min read

What You Need to Know Before Applying for Your 1st Malpractice Insurance Policy

Here at ALPS, we do try our absolute best to make sure the application process is as seamless and convenient as possible. That said, if you have a...

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Strong cybersecurity posture

4 min read

Why It’s Imperative to Maintain a Strong Cybersecurity Posture Even Though It’s a Pain

My cyber security awareness training never stops; and even though much of it is self-inflicted I often feel like I’m still losing ground. In fact,...

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3 min read

Why You Never Want to Get Lazy With Your Time Keeping

This post is directed toward those of you who fail to accurately record your time on a consistent basis throughout the day, day after day. I know it...

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ALPS In Brief Podcast - Episode 75: What is the Corporate Transparency act...and More, image of woman lawyer with her hand out, toughing the screen

13 min read

ALPS In Brief Podcast - Episode 75: What is the Corporate Transparency Act

A Brief Statement of Correction from Mark: “During this podcast I stated that under the Corporate Transparency Act, BOI reports were to be filed...

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Lawyers engaged in conflict resolution

3 min read

Why It’s Important to Have Attorney Accountability Built Into Your Firm’s Conflict Checking Process

What happens in your firm if there’s a hit during a conflicts check? Hopefully, the conflict concern is immediately brought to the attention of the...

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scrabble letters spell

7 min read

Why the Use of an Engagement Letter Should Never Be Considered Optional

Engagement letters seem to be one of those documents most lawyers intellectually appreciate the value of but often underutilize. This letter simply...

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