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Volume 28 Issue 2 • April 2012 www.MyLawyersMutual.com
WHICH TIME, BILLING & ACCOUNTING
SOFTWARE IS BEST FOR MY FIRM?
I
t is rare for a start-up law firm to choose to software programs are basically the checkbook
maintain the firm’s accounting books and of the firm, making it relatively easy for a small
records manually. With so many affordable firm to pay bills while tracking every expense
small business accounting software applications detail in an electronic ledger. Accounting
available to help firms with the unique tasks software programs go beyond what a small
associated with tracking the flow of money, it no business would ordinarily get from a manual
longer makes sense for a firm to manage money bookkeeping set-up by incorporating tools to
simply using checkbooks and a ledger. The make time-consuming tasks easy. Tasks such
question for lawyer is: “What is the best billing as reconciling a monthly bank statement can go
and accounting system for me?” very smoothly using the special tools available
By Todd C. Scott in accounting software programs. These software
Like all software purchasing decisions, choosing programs generally range in price from $50
VP of Risk Management
a system can be complicated and expensive – to $250 and usually meet the firm’s basic
especially if a firm buys more than it needs. But accounting needs right out of the box after going
before deciding what software product is right for through a short set-up process.
the firm, it must first narrow its choices by taking (continued on page 2)
into account some practical considerations. For
example, if the firm’s bookkeeper has extensive
experience in a particular accounting product,
MLM ANNOUNCES 24TH
Featured: CONSECUTIVE DIVIDEND TO
choosing a different, unfamiliar tool for managing
Which Time, Billing &
Accounting Software is Best the firm’s finances may not be the best option POLICYHOLDERS
for My Firm? ....................1 for the firm. Moreover, some accounting tools
may be designed specifically for the needs of law Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company
MLM Announces 24th
firms, but if the firm works closely with an outside (MLM) is once again returning money to its
Consecutive Dividend ......1
policyholders – in the amount of $1.7 million!
accounting firm for help with payroll and tax, the
Policyholder dividend checks have been mailed
recommendation from the accountant may be to
Service out and shared among policyholders who had
use a software tool that has a compatible database. professional liability policies with MLM in force on
Spotlight:
December 31, 2011. This is the 24th consecutive
MyLawyersModules, Understanding the various types of accounting year MLM has declared a dividend and the $1.7
Roadmap to Start and and billing software products will help determine million amount represents a $700,000 increase
Run a Law Practice .........4 what the best fit is for the firm when it is time over the prior year.
to make a purchasing decision. The following
Columns: includes an overview description of the types of “MLM has taken a number of difficult underwriting
software options that are available for firms, and and pricing actions in recent years to improve
Good Question: its operating results and those actions are, quite
Foxworthy was on to information for helping firms narrow down their
literally, starting to pay dividends,” said Steve
something ........................5 software choices. Brady, President and CEO of Minnesota Lawyers
MLM Roadmap: Mutual. “We’re delighted to share a portion of our
ACCOUNTING AND BILLING: KNOW THE
Growing Ranks of Solo earnings – in the form of a dividend – with MLM’s
Practitioners Underscore
DIFFERENCE loyal policyholders, and look forward to even
the Need for Resources...6 Not all software tools that manage money are greater success in 2012,” Brady added.
The Shill:
the same. Most software tools available for law
Although no insurance company can guarantee
I Heart Passwords ...........7 firms are basic accounting tools that were created a dividend from year to year, Minnesota Lawyers
to help small businesses track the flow of income Mutual has paid over $40 million in policyholder
and expenses. These off-the-shelf accounting dividends since 1988.
Questions? Contact MLM at:
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual • 333 South 7th Street • Suite 2200 • Minneapolis, MN 55402 • Phone: 800.422.1370 • Fax: 800.305.1510 • info@mlmins.com
2 THE VIEW • APRIL 2012
(continued from page 1)
Although these basic off-the-shelf accounting tools are very Life is easier if firms are using a software tool that is made
good, they usually are not equipped with billing features just for lawyers. A full-integration accounting tool for lawyers
that will meet the needs of a busy law firm with two or more comes out of the box equipped with the reports and features
attorneys. The manufacturers of these accounting tools do not that only a law firm would need. The initial set-up “interview”
necessarily have in mind the sophisticated billing needs of process for configuring the software is somewhat different
lawyers. Off-the-shelf accounting tools that do come equipped because the software program already knows that the business
with billing tools tend to be a simplified bill is a law firm. Additionally, without having to
generator that covers labor and inventory ‒ like When trying to find the “hook-up” the software to a separate software
the kind that would be used by someone who is right software for a firm, billing tool, the ability to share information
a building contractor. common scenarios often within the various features is already there and
begin to emerge. its data sharing capabilities is much more robust.
Billing software tools are separate and unique
from basic accounting tools because all they do is track billable The higher-end accounting features available in a full-integration
hours and create invoices. These tools were created specifically accounting tool are things firms may want to consider when
for the enhanced billing and time-tracking needs of certain trying to decide if the tool is right for them. For example:
professionals, such as lawyers. For example, the billing features
in basic off-the-shelf accounting tools won’t usually be able to • Flexibility in write-ups and write-downs – You may work
handle the multiple billing rates that most law firms have for an hour on behalf of a client and wish to track your time, but
each lawyer. Additionally, a firm that would like the flexibility only bill for half of that time. Full-integration accounting
of creating unique billing terms for individual clients will find tools will allow much flexibility in tracking not only the time
the billing tool in an off-the-shelf accounting product to be too that you bill, but the time that you actually work.
limiting. • Showing trust balances on invoices – A full-integration
accounting tool will not only create invoices but show
A software billing tool is made to work with a basic accounting clients the running balance on their trust account.
program. That means that if something is recorded in the
accounting program – say, for example a payment is made by a • Showing past balances or new totals – The ability to
client – that information is automatically recorded in the billing show a running balance on each invoice is usually an
program, so the next client invoice will reflect the fact that the important feature for many law firms that can only be
client recently made a payment. The manufacturers of software found in a full-integration accounting tool.
billing programs create their programs to work with popular • Split or consolidated billing – Single invoices that are
off-the-shelf accounting programs and include set-up and intended for more than one client are not available on a
support information to make sure the critical software programs basic accounting program.
are adequately sharing information.
• Customized invoice formatting – Although they may be
Firms that would like lawyers to track their own billable hours available in a stand-alone billing program, features that
using a software program also find that billing tools are easier allow customized formatting of invoices are not available
to use. A lawyer, paralegal, or any other member of the firm in the invoicing features of a basic accounting program.
can track time quickly by using an electronic time sheet that
Because a full-integration accounting tool is performing the
collects information on the matter, the amount of time it took to
work of two or more software programs, firms can count on it
complete the task, and the client being serviced. After entering
being more expensive than an off-the-shelf accounting product.
the basic time tracking information and pushing a button, the data
Whereas an off-the-shelf accounting software program may
is passed on to the back-office invoicing tool and the employees
range from $50 to $250 (usually depending on how many
tracking their time can quickly move on to other tasks.
people can use the product and whether it needs to share data
FULL-INTEGRATION ACCOUNTING: SOFTWARE with other third-party programs), a full-integration accounting
TOOLS JUST FOR LAWYERS product can range from $400 to $1,000 for the first user license.
Accounting and billing tools work very well and can often It seems understandable that any software program with lots
meet the needs of small law firms. However, there is a class of of features is often more difficult to use. A full-integration
software that combines both of these tools and is specifically accounting tool – like any other robust accounting software
designed for lawyers. Full-integration accounting tools are program – can be complex and difficult to learn. Basic, off-the-
robust accounting programs that have included billing and time shelf accounting programs are typically designed for users who
tracking tools that are satisfactory for the needs of a busy law run their own business and accounting is not their strong suit.
firm. Moreover, these full-integration accounting tools have Many of the features in an off-the-shelf program are simplified
taken on some features that usually only come in high-end and designed to be more intuitive so that the user can walk
accounting programs, and depending on the complexity of the through the bill-paying, invoice-producing process. However,
firm’s accounting situation, it may want to have in the firm. (continued on page 3)
Questions? Contact MLM at:
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual • 333 South 7th Street • Suite 2200 • Minneapolis, MN 55402 • Phone: 800.422.1370 • Fax: 800.305.1510 • info@mlmins.com
THE VIEW • APRIL 2012 3
(continued from page 2)
full-integration accounting tools are designed for bookkeepers firm to consider when looking for an accounting program that
to use, and so unless you plan to take the time to learn some will fully integrate with the firm’s client database.
principles of accounting, the software can be more difficult to use.
If the firm is “starting from scratch” looking for new software
THE DECISION TREE: HOW TO CHOOSE WHAT’S and the bookkeeper is capable or willing to learn how to use a
RIGHT FOR YOU new accounting program, a full-integration accounting program
that handles all the accounting and billing needs is probably
Many factors go into choosing the right accounting and billing the best place to start. A brand new start-up law firm has the
software. There are important considerations, such as: unique opportunity to envision the most efficient way to set
up the firm’s financial systems and set the plan into place,
• Who will be using the software tool? Do they have
unencumbered by dependencies on other software systems or
experience using it?
employee experience.
• Is the firm “starting from scratch” or is the software part of
an office set-up that is already in place? When trying to find the right software for a firm, common
• How big is the firm and how many employees will be using scenarios often begin to emerge. The following are some
the tool? hypothetical law firms and the analysis used to determine which
• Does the firm have a limited budget, and will software accounting and billing software would be the best fit for the firm.
training be necessary?
• Solo attorney with no payroll obligations – Quicken
• Does the firm currently use other third-party software may actually work for this lawyer but QuickBooks is a
applications that need to share data with the accounting better option for all solos. Although the invoicing feature
program? in QuickBooks is limited, the solo attorney may not have a
When I am making a software recommendation for a law firm, need for robust invoicing systems.
one of the first things I want to know is who will be using • Small 2-4 lawyer firm using QuickBooks – Assuming the
the tool. The best accounting software in the world will not firm is satisfied with QuickBooks, it may want to look at
be a good fit if the firm’s bookkeeper is not equipped with an enhancing it’s billing capabilities by adding Timeslips. If it
understanding of how to use it. Moreover, the bookkeeper may is open to using a full-integration program, it should check
be especially adept at using a respected accounting tool such as out Tabs 3 or PC Law.
Quickbooks by Intuit. Such special knowledge of a particular • Small 2-4 lawyer firm using MS Word for invoices –
accounting tool may take years to learn, so a firm would be The amount of work it takes for one or more staff members
wise to identify the knowledge assets of the person whose to create invoices from a word processor is so great that the
job it will be to handle the firm’s accounting, and take that firm is operating very inefficiently if it continues to do so.
information into account when choosing a software tool. The firm is strongly urged to choose an accounting system
My software recommendation also involves a determination the bookkeeper can manage. QuickBooks might be a good
of whether the firm has other program applications in place start because it is easier to learn and there are so many
that it intends to continue using. For example, if a firm is resources available for the employee to learn the program.
already using a basic accounting program but would like some • Firm with 10 attorneys using QuickBooks and
flexibility in the way invoices are produced, it is probably not Timeslips – The combination of these two programs is a
necessary to look at a full-integration accounting program as very popular match-up in many small law firms, but the
a replacement tool. An invoicing/time tracking tool that will 10-lawyer firm is getting to the size where it should be
share data with the accounting program that is already in place encouraged to check out a full-integration accounting tool
may be all that the firm needs. that can handle all of the firm’s needs. QuickBooks and
Timeslips share data, but their compatibility is limited.
By examining the other software tools that the firm uses,
sometimes it becomes apparent that certain accounting tools are • Firm with 25 lawyers using PC Law – The full-
the best match. For example, if a firm uses a case management integration accounting programs purport to handle the
program such as Practice Master by Software Technology, Inc. needs of a larger law firm, but the database capabilities can
(STI) for managing client data and calendar programs, STI’s sometimes limit it’s ability to do so. Larger firms should
TABS 3 accounting program would be a logical first step for the look into software tools made to handle their database
need. Juris by LexisNexis is one such tool.
RU@RISK?
a blawg about risk management for lawyers
Follow the conversation on “Which Time, Billing and Accounting Software is
Best for My Firm?” by subscribing to RU@RISK? Upcoming posts will discuss
some of the top finance software programs used by small to mid-size firms.
MLM BLOGS A Collection of Conversations Blogs.mlmins.com/ruatrisk
Questions? Contact MLM at:
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual • 333 South 7th Street • Suite 2200 • Minneapolis, MN 55402 • Phone: 800.422.1370 • Fax: 800.305.1510 • info@mlmins.com
4 THE VIEW • APRIL 2012
Providing Solutions to Risk Management Problems
Online Conversations | Seminars | Live Webcasts | HelpLine
Good Question RU@RISK?
Better Discussion Blogs come and go, A Blawg about Risk
but malpractice is never ending Management for Lawyers
Recently some changes were made to give lawyers a fresh perspective
into our world of professional liability. Todd C. Scott will now be
blogging with three of his MLM colleagues: Angie Hoppe, Alice
Sherren and Chad Saunders. By having more contributors, we can
share with you our various perspectives on the problems we see every
day. With this set up, Angie will focus on issues involving starting
Alice Sherren a law practice, while Alice handles some of the tough questions our
Claim Attorney claim adjusters get everyday, and Chad writes about insurance. Todd Todd C. Scott
will continue to write about the malpractice that appears in the news VP of Risk Management
and carry over the discussion from our monthly webcasts into this
The Shill
forum. Our goal all along has been to give you a view into our world
Shameless Promotion MLM Roadmap
from Marketing of legal malpractice and provide helpful advice so you can learn from
Planning for Success
the mistakes of others.
Let MLM blogger/editors know what you think of the information you
find here. We’d love to have you join the conversation.
MLM BLOGS
Chad Saunders
A Collection of Conversations
Specialty Marketing Manager
Blogs.mlmins.com Angie Hoppe
Claim Attorney
2012 Monthly Risk Management 2012
Webcast Series Loss Prevention CLE Seminars
MLM offers all its policyholders
For updated information on when the CLE events will take
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reserve your seat. Remember to register early — venues fill up
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Counsel
All programs are scheduled for one hour
Have a risk management
and start at 9:00 AM CST, 10:00 AM EST. question or concern?
Program times may be subject to change. Contact MLM’s Risk Management
HelpLine, toll-free
Webcast registration at www.mylawyersmutual.com
(855) 692-5146
Questions? Contact MLM at:
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual • 333 South 7th Street • Suite 2200 • Minneapolis, MN 55402 • Phone: 800.422.1370 • Fax: 800.305.1510 • info@mlmins.com
THE VIEW • APRIL 2012 5
Good Question Want a sounding board for general, specific or
Better Discussion hypothetical risk management questions?
MLM BLOGS A Collection of Conversations Blogs.mlmins.com/goodquestion
Foxworthy was on to something: example, choice of venue, which defendants are named or
not named, which experts are selected, etc.), YOU HAVE A
“If you even have to ask this question, CLAIM THAT SHOULD BE REPORTED, even if you think
YOU HAVE A CLAIM THAT SHOULD BE opposing counsel is wrong and your client is happy with
REPORTED!” your work!
Jeff Foxworthy made a name for • If you discover that you may have made a mistake, for
himself with his commentary about example missing a statute of limitations, YOU HAVE A
what “might” make someone a CLAIM THAT SHOULD BE REPORTED, even if opposing
“redneck.” One observation is that counsel did not realize your mistake, and even if you think
if you suspect you “might” be a you can fix the problem!
“redneck,” you probably are. The
same holds true for whether you have • If your client tries to get out of paying his bill by disparaging
a “claim” that should be reported to your work or the outcome of the case, YOU HAVE A CLAIM
your malpractice insurer. If the thought even crosses your mind THAT SHOULD BE REPORTED, even if you know your
that you might have a claim…you should report to your carrier client’s allegations about your work lack merit and he is
or risk denial of an eventual claim or even a voided policy. simply trying to get out of paying his bill!
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual insurance policies are “claims- • If anyone, client or not, says that your legal work caused
made” policies, which means an insured must report not only him harm, for example an opposing party in a divorce or
malpractice threats or lawsuits but also events that could custody case, YOU HAVE A CLAIM THAT SHOULD BE
develop into malpractice threats or lawsuits in the future. When REPORTED, even if you know his allegations lack merit and
in doubt, it is always better to report a situation because failure can prove it!
to do so could result in a denied claim or a voided policy.
• If a client says that he is unhappy with your work and will
The policy states: A CLAIM is deemed made when: sue you for malpractice, YOU HAVE A CLAIM THAT
SHOULD BE REPORTED, even if you believe your work
(1) a demand is communicated to the INSURED for was above reproach!
DAMAGES or PROFESSIONAL SERVICES;
One very important thing to remember is this: You, as the
(2) a lawsuit is served upon the INSURED seeking attorney, do not get to decide whether there is a claim. The
DAMAGES; or standard is not whether you personally think you have a claim,
whether the claim has merit, or whether the claim may never
(3) an act, error or omission by any INSURED occurs which be pursued. The standard is whether facts exist that could
has not resulted in a demand for DAMAGES but which reasonably develop into a claim. If you find yourself asking, “I
an INSURED knows or reasonably should know, would wonder if I should report this?” ‒ the answer is always “YES!”
support such a demand.
This means that you have a “claim” that should be reported
any time you think you might have made an error, or any time
someone else says you may have made an error. This is so even If you have a specific situation you are unsure about whether to
if you think you can fix the problem, even if your client still report, please contact the Risk Management HelpLine, toll-free
seems happy with you or doesn’t know about the problem, and at (855) 692-5146.
even if you know you did not err but someone else says you
did. The fact that a claim lacks merit, or that you have great
defenses to a claim, does not change the fact that there is a Alice Sherren, MLM claim attorney,
claim that must be reported. And it is essential to always report addresses common (and not so common)
a claim as soon as possible, before trying to fix it on your own. questions MLM receives from insureds
Don’t jeopardize your insurance coverage by waiting to report through its Risk Management HelpLine
a claim until suit is filed and your options are limited. and invites insureds to weigh in via the
comments section.
Here are some “Foxworthy style” examples of when you have
a claim that should be reported: Join the “Good Question, Better
Good Question Discussion” Conversation at
• If opposing counsel makes a motion to dismiss your client’s Editor Blogs.mlmins.com/goodquestion/
case because of something that was your decision (for
Questions? Contact MLM at:
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual • 333 South 7th Street • Suite 2200 • Minneapolis, MN 55402 • Phone: 800.422.1370 • Fax: 800.305.1510 • info@mlmins.com
6 THE VIEW • APRIL 2012
MLM Success
Planning for
Roadmap Ever wish there was a straightforward roadmap
one could follow to start and run a safe practice?
MLM BLOGS A Collection of Conversations Blogs.mlmins.com/roadmap
Growing Ranks of Solo Practitioners “They still need resources,” Harris said. “By developing
tools and resources in tandem with bar associations and other
Underscore the Need for Resources groups, together we can provide some cost-effective solutions
By Dan Heilman, Minnesota Lawyer
Reprinted with permission of Minnesota Lawyer,
and put them at reduced risk of malpractice.”
Solo Contender, March 20, 2012
The MLM modules are free for MLM members and were
scheduled to go live at the end of March. Free access to the
Recent surveys suggest more and more freshly minted lawyers
site will also be offered to Minnesota State Bar Association
are bypassing the temptation to work at a law firm straight
members via its PracticeLaw Web portal.
out of law school and are instead hanging out their shingles as
solo practitioners. A recent survey of the Minnesota Lawyers One way Hoppe has been working toward that goal has been
Mutual Insurance Co. (MLM), which provides malpractice by dropping in on a relatively new resource MSBA is offering
insurance along with risk management services, found that its members: monthly meetings and online discussion groups
more than 19 percent of solo practitioners polled aimed at solos trying to establish their practices.
have five or fewer years of practice experience, Angie Hoppe, an MLM
PracticePack (www.practicelaw.org/432) is
with 9 percent having two years or fewer. claim attorney, said the focused on lawyers going straight from law
goal is to create a platform school to solo or small firm practice, discussing
The seeming surge in solos highlights the fact
that is responsive to the process of moving on after graduating and
that going it alone isn’t easy for any lawyer, let
the needs of new solo the trials of job searching.
alone an inexperienced one. Handling billing,
practitioners. “It’s great to
office administration and client development can Started in late 2010, PracticePack usually meets
have all this information
be overwhelming. For that reason MLM and the put together, but we don’t
the third Tuesday of the month from about 8
Minnesota State Bar Association are working want it to be just a flat to 10 a.m. Andrea Hable, MSBA’s attorney
together and separately to provide support and static resource,” she said. editor and proprietor of her own practice, said
resources for the swelling ranks of solos. “We want it to grow.” attendance at the meetings is usually between
five and 15 young lawyers.
MLM recently debuted Roadmap to Start a Law
Practice, a series of web-based modules designed to show young “It was an acknowledgment by the bar association that there
lawyers some of the nuts and bolts of starting and growing are a lot of new lawyers out there who need some support,”
a practice. Many of the modules are focused on avoiding she said. “It started with the hope that we could offer new
malpractice problems, but a number of others zero in on general solos some tech assistance and help them get some discounted
topics, such as essential practice components and key areas to services, but the biggest benefit has been the camaraderie of
consider when establishing a practice. The site also contains getting together monthly.”
downloadable law practice management booklets; workbooks Hable said the meetings, which are free for MSBA members,
for business financials and budgets; and various forms, templates are informal, and carry no CLE credit. While there’s often
and checklists. a speaker or a main topic, there’s usually time at the end for
Jayne Harris, MLM’s vice president of business development, practice-related questions.
said the group compiled the resources in response to mounting “There are numerous issues discussed,” she said. “How do
evidence that while the number of young solos was growing, ethics rules apply to real practical things we deal with? How
many of those baby lawyers weren’t armed with the skills and does solicitation rule apply if I’m at a networking event? How
resources needed to establish a successful practice. do I deal with clients? How do I set fees? How do I define the
“The profile of a solo firm had really changed in last few scope of my recommendation? Where do I find a mentor?
years,” Harris said. “The Carnegie Report and other studies
show that there are key competencies that new lawyers tend Angie Hoppe, MLM claim attorney, is actively
to lack, such as procedural law, organizing and management involved in helping attorneys start a practice as
of legal work — all things that tie into the things we’re really the MLM Roadmap’s editor, and by leading the
concerned about from a practice perspective.” ongoing development of MyLawyersModules.com,
an online environment to assist attorneys start and
She pointed to 2010 findings from the Association for Legal
run a safe and successful practice.
Career Professionals that pointed out that 5.9 percent of new
law school graduates are pursuing solo practice. But while Submit your question on starting a practice and
setting up shop, they’re dealing with huge debt and probably Angie will do her best to divulge practice pointers
don’t have spare money to spend on CLE courses. Roadmap Editor that are both useful and practical.
Questions? Contact MLM at:
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual • 333 South 7th Street • Suite 2200 • Minneapolis, MN 55402 • Phone: 800.422.1370 • Fax: 800.305.1510 • info@mlmins.com
THE VIEW • APRIL 2012 7
The Shill
Shamelesspromotion from marketing
Shameless promotion from marketing
How much do you really know about
professional liability insurance?
MLM BLOGS A Collection of Conversations Blogs.mlmins.com/theshill
I HEART PASSWORDS password. We use passwords for MyLawyersMutual.com, our
online Risk Management Website.
I am stuck in a password maze. My 15-year-old Hotmail
account with its 15-year-old password was breached. Nothing There are acknowledged kinks. Currently, the logins for our
that I know of was lost; Hotmail stopped being my primary CLE webcast and for MyLawyersMutual.com are different.
e-mail account years ago. I did have to assign a new password There’s a technical reason for the separate login that doesn’t
under the new password regime. A regime that’s much, much matter to a frustrated policyholder. Also, every individual
harsher than it was 15 years ago. This process was repeated for policyholder has a unique login to MyLawyersMutual.com.
all online accounts that may have been touched by the Hotmail This is to keep confidential the policy portion of our web site.
breach. Facebook, online banking, my family’s health plan, Again, the reasons don’t matter if it causes frustration. (Please
iTunes & many others need new passwords. The trouble with call us! You’ll get an actual person who can help.)
new a password is that I won’t remember it unless it has some
variation of my 15-year-old password. I’ve tried more secure The most recent offering on MyLawyersMutual.com is
password tricks but I’m forgetful. I forgot the new Hotmail MyLawyersModules Roadmap to Start and Run a Law
password almost as soon as I signed out, which meant I had Practice. It’s a terrific resource for lawyers who are starting,
to get a new one. Apparently, you can’t request your current contemplating starting, or have recently started a law firm. I
password if you forget it. You can only assign a new one, one suspect it would be useful to attorneys of all experience levels.
that hasn’t been used in a year. Which means I’m going to Resources like this take a level of effort we can only offer to
forget it because it is not familiar to me. It’s all very secure. our policyholders. It’s password protected. If you don’t have
your password, please give me a call. I can help.
We use passwords here for many parts of our online system.
If we have put anyone through an ordeal like this I apologize,
sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. But there is a reason
we use passwords. We use passwords to protect the sensitive
and often confidential information we request. Moreover, “The Shill” is written by Chad Saunders, MLM
passwords allow us to offer additional services to our specialty marketing manager. Chad may be
policyholders. We require passwords for online & in-person reached at (800) 422-1370 x9672
or csaunders@mlmins.com.
CLE. The online registration process, payment processing
and proper recording of CLE credit depends in large part on a
The Shill Editor
NOTE: The material in this newsletter should not be considered legal advice and as always, you will need to do your own research to make your own conclusions with regard to the laws and ethical
opinions of your jurisdiction. In no event will Minnesota Lawyers Mutual be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the use of this material.
THE VIEW - APRIL 2012
Managing Editor:
Jayne M. Harris, VP of Business Development
Technical Editor:
Michelle Lore, Claim Attorney
Looking for checklists, law practice management booklets and Assistant Editor and Layout Designer:
risk management CLE resource materials? Look no further! Karen J. L. Scholtz
Featured Article Author:
www.MyLawyersMutual.com Todd C. Scott, VP of Risk Management
Haven’t received your Username and Password? Good Question Author:
E-mail info@mlmins.com with your identifying information and preferred e-mail Alice Sherren, Claim Attorney
address to receive your login and password within 24-hours or call 800.422.1370 and Roadmap Author:
your MLM Account Manager will provide you with your login and password over the Angie Hoppe, Claim Attorney
phone.
The Shill Author:
Chad Saunders, Specialty Marketing Manager
Questions? Contact MLM at:
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual • 333 South 7th Street • Suite 2200 • Minneapolis, MN 55402 • Phone: 800.422.1370 • Fax: 800.305.1510 • info@mlmins.com
