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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 Documenting What You’re Not Retained to Do Can Be Important Too

Picture of Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Jun 2, 2021 12:00:00 AM

In my experience, too many lawyers appear to be quite comfortable running with an assumption that their client’s understanding of what the scope of representation is aligns with theirs. This is one of the reasons why I suspect trying to convince...

Solo and Small Firm Resources Law Practice Management

15 min read

ALPS In Brief – Episode 57: How to Remain Cybersecure On the Road

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: May 25, 2021 12:00:00 AM

As the world re-opens and you begin to stretch your legs, ALPS Risk Manager Mark B tells some true tales and offers some tips for safeguarding your...

ALPS In Brief Podcast Cybersecurity

3 min read

Why It’s Worthwhile to Look for the Learning with Problem Clients

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: May 18, 2021 12:00:00 AM

When it comes to problem clients, we all have a story or two to share; but what if it becomes more than that? What if a lawyer comes to realize that...

Law Practice Management

1 min read

A Malpractice Avoidance Checklist

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: May 12, 2021 12:00:00 AM

If you were to collect everything I (and many others like me) have written on risk management for lawyers, I suspect the collection would fill a...

Solo and Small Firm Resources Law Practice Management

3 min read

Five Things You Can Do to Help Keep Your Malpractice Insurance Premium in Line

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Apr 21, 2021 12:00:00 AM

I have been a risk manager here at ALPS for well over two decades now, which helps explain why I personally view the purchase of legal malpractice...

Insurance for Law Firms

2 min read

Why There is No Such Thing as a New Normal

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Apr 7, 2021 12:00:00 AM

I’ve been telecommuting for over a decade now, so when a COVID-19 stay at home order finally made its way to Montana, not much changed for me...

Attorney Wellness Law Practice Management

10 min read

ALPS In Brief – Episode 55: Estate Planning Gone Wrong

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Mar 25, 2021 12:00:00 AM

In this episode of the ALPS In Brief podcast, Mark Bassingthwaighte offers some insights in the arena of estate planning that are commonly...

ALPS In Brief Podcast Law Practice Management

3 min read

Preparing for an Extended Absence – Advice for the Solo Attorney

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager: Mar 17, 2021 12:00:00 AM

Given how difficult it can be to try and take a planned absence, such as a long vacation or maternity or paternity leave, it’s no wonder that having...

Solo and Small Firm Resources