To start a firm is to assume risk … and among the greatest of those risks is the possibility of malpractice. But while assuming risk is a part of legal life, you can also take concrete steps to minimize your liability. Consider adopting a multi-level risk management strategy to deal with malpractice. The first level is obvious but frequently overlooked: the best way to minimize risk is to avoid malpractice. This starts at the threshold, with the cases you take. While it’s always tempting to accept new client matters, work that’s outside of your expertise can carry added risk. And even if you know an area of law well, if you can’t give a case sufficient attention, there is added risk of a claim. Of course, you’ll want to meet all your deadlines, avoid conflicts of interest, document all your work, and backup your documentation. But the biggest cause of malpractice claims isn’t substandard work … it’s substandard communications. It’s important to build strong relationships with your clients and convey clear expectations. If your client knows what you’re doing and why—they’re less likely to object to your actions. Ten minutes spent returning calls promptly and sending out updates may be as valuable as an hour of legal research. As a last line of defense, you should obtain malpractice insurance, even though it can be a significant cost and may not be required in the state you practice. Malpractice insurance usually offers two kinds of protection: Indemnity, which protects against any liability judgments which might be rendered by a court; and Defense of Claims, which provides you with legal counsel in the event you are sued. Check with your bar associations for any rules, as well as recommended or preferred insurance carriers. Because of the costs and risks associated with malpractice, you’ll probably want to study this topic further before taking action. Compare policies from multiple insurers and explore the Law Firm Business Center right here on FindLaw.com. http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1456296548