ABA considers proposal for more transparency with law school finances, other changes

The American Bar Association House of Delegates, which determines association-wide policy, will take up a proposed resolution at the upcoming ABA Annual Meeting that seeks more financial counseling and transparency for students considering or in law school... read more

ABA, NAACP Legal Defense Fund co-sign statement addressing bias in criminal justice system

The American Bar Association and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund issued a joint statement today on Eliminating Bias in the Criminal Justice System... read more

What Does a Wrongful Death Case Entail?

No one wants to think about a lawsuit that involves a wrongful death, but you deserve the right to hold the negligent party responsible. Although a financial settlement won’t bring your loved one back, it can ensure that it won’t happen to someone else and see you through a difficult time as you adjust to a new life.

Burden of Evidence

In a criminal case, the standard of proof is that the defendant was responsible “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In a wrongful death suit, the burden is much lower, but you do need to establish negligence, which is a key element in a wrongful death case. The other important element is that there must be financial damages. Although you may not be emotionally prepared to deal with this, you don’t want to wait too long. Evidence can be destroyed or lost and witnesses forget. Your state may have a statute of limitations, too.

What Damages Can Be Awarded?

Financial damages in a wrongful death case won’t ever make up for the loss of your loved one. However, they do go a long way in providing for the economic loss. This is very important if the deceased is the breadwinner in a family with children. Many different items are considered when determining the amount of damages that are awarded. To learn more about what a wrongful death case entails, visit this website for a wrongful death lawyer in Escondido.

Chicago lawyer Bruce Pfaff to receive Pursuit of Justice Award from American Bar Association

The American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section will honor Chicago attorney Bruce Robert Pfaff with its Pursuit of Justice Award, which recognizes lawyers and judges who have shown outstanding merit and who excel in providing access to justice for all... read more

Symbols of the Law for the New Grad

3D decorations in the shape of the scale, the mallet, and even the thick textbooks look fascinatingly real on this law school graduation cake made of chocolate. Happy graduation day!

Why You Should Draw a Will

Wills are only for people with a lot of assets. Or are they? Even when you have a small asset or own almost nothing, a will can be a great exit strategy that helps your family and loved ones. Here are the top three reasons.

1. You control your estates and who will take care of the transfer process

Not just grand mansions and luxury vehicles count as estates. Your personal belongings, any bank accounts, insurance policies or retirement accounts are also estates.In a will, you can designate beneficiaries and also choose the person who will oversee the entire process of transferring assets to those beneficiaries.

Without a will, the court can decide who gets what. So especially if you have children, a will is a must, so that you can protect them even after your death.

2. You can shorten the probate process

With or without a will, the probate process will happen. But with a proper will, the process will take much less time, because you have already made some choices for the court and your representative.

3. You can always change your mind

Things happen in life and priorities change. Births, deaths, marriage, divorce and other life-changing events can affect your decisions on asset transfer. In that case, you can always change your will while you are still alive.

Wills are not as complicated as you might think. To learn more about how to draw a will, visit the website of a wills lawyer in Temple.

The Relevant Lawyer” helps lawyers prepare for change

Frederic S. Ury, contributor and chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism, discusses “The Relevant Lawyer... read more

New standards set for attorney discipline

For the first time in nearly three decades, the State Bar Board of Trustees last month approved the revision of standards for attorney discipline... read more

Filing a Dog Bite Claim

Regardless of the breed of dog or its propensity to bite, the owner is responsible if the pet attacks someone. Sometimes he or she refuses to take responsibility, and you may need to file a legal claim in order to be compensated for medical expenses and other losses. In order to file a successful complaint, there are a few steps you should take.

1. Seek Medical Attention

If a dog bite breaks the skin, immediately seek medical help. If you will need to file a claim, this will give you documentation regarding the seriousness of the injury.

2. Notify Animal Control

Animal Control officers will verify whether the dog is properly licensed and vaccinated. The officer will likely visit you to confirm the wound, and then see the dog owner about the incident.

3. Talk With the Owner

Before seeking legal action, you may want to ask the pet owner to cover your medical costs. Oftentimes, his or her homeowner’s insurance policy will cover expenses. If the person refuses, you may want to seek legal action.

4. Contact a Lawyer

If you feel it is warranted, contact a lawyer to discuss your possible case. The chances of winning your claim may depend on whether the dog has bitten other people in the past and on whether you provoked the animal.

If you have suffered a serious injury from an unprovoked attack, you may have cause for a dog bite claim. Please visit this site to learn more about your rights or to speak with a dog bite attorney in Jacksonville.

Mental health courts — When research challenges policy and practice

Defendants participating in mental health courts have lower rates of recidivism and spend fewer days incarcerated than similar people whose cases are handled by traditional courts… read more

Ouch Plates

Ouch! The license plate says it all. This shows that having a large car doesn't always save you from damage in a collision. Luckily the front has taken the brunt of the damage, resulting in a crushed bumper and left headlight.

What You Need to Know About Boat Collisions

Of the top five reasons for boating accidents, each was the result of driver error: inattention, improper lookout, inexperience, excessive speed and alcohol. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that 40 deaths and 652 injuries occurred in 2014 from over 900 watercraft incidents. If you are involved in an accident, you can protect yourself should you need medical care.

1. Take Notes

Just as you would in a car accident, write down the names and insurance information with the other boat involved. Also if there are any eyewitnesses, collect their information as well, as they may be able to testify for you case.

2. Take Pictures

If you brought your smartphone along, take pictures of damage done to both watercrafts. If you don’t have a camera, you can sketch the scene. It’s a good idea to take photos of any injuries as well.

3. Take Notes

Memories fade quickly, so immediately write down what you recall about the accident. What were you doing at the time? What did you observe from the other boaters involved?

4. File a Boating Accident Report

If your watercraft received more than $2,000 worth of damages, you may be required to file a report with the local law enforcement agency, usually within 10 days of the incident. Check with your state for specific rules.

If you are in an accident and don’t receive adequate compensation from the insurance company, you can file a civil suit. For more information about protecting yourself following a boating collision or to find a boat accident attorney in Wilmington, please visit this website.

How much do you know about Client Trust Accounting? Take a survey

When it comes to handling client funds, how can you be sure you know all the ins and outs of the ethical rules… read more

Exploring the Benefits of Working with a Reliable Lawyer

There are many reasons why people enlist the help of legal professionals. For some, the involvement in an accident that wasn’t their fault means needing outside help to mediate and acquire compensation. For others, the comforting feeling of working with a professional to get through red tape and effectively build a case is worth it. Yet there are those that simply need help representing their situation, whatever it may be, in a way that is beneficial to their side.

Fortunately, a lawyer can help with any one of these objectives. If you are trying to decide whether or not it is worth your time and money to partner with a legal professional, here are some compelling benefits of choosing to do so.

First, a lawyer takes over all of the detailed paperwork, phone calls, and mundane research to get to the facts. For situations in which a person has been injured, this benefit is exceptional as it provides them with an opportunity to focus on a full recovery and healing. A reliable lawyer will take whatever time is needed to complete a thorough analysis and get to the bottom of things to build an effective case. This means you are saving an incredible amount of time by not having to do this yourself.

Second, legal professionals understand what it means to communicate effectively. Communication is crucial when working through legal procedures and dealing with more than one party. In many car accidents, insurance companies, employers, medical facilities and others will be involved in the details of your case. Relying on someone who understands interpersonal communication, how to effectively negotiate, and takes timely transferal of information seriously, is certainly something you can benefit from.

Third, lawyers maintain a position of objectivity throughout the process of building and representing cases. Their opinions and paradigms of certain situations may provide you with insight and understanding of the events surrounding your circumstances. Details, facts, and stories that may have been missed in arguments of conflicting parties may be recognized by an objective third party.

Fourth, when dealing with unfortunate circumstances like car accidents, it can be difficult to acquire the compensation you deserve on your own. Often insurance companies aren’t willing to budge on their offerings. If the accident you were in wasn’t your fault, sometimes the other party is unable or unwilling to provide compensation. In these scenarios, having a lawyer on your side means the best shot at gaining the compensation that is rightfully yours.

For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer to represent your case, please visit this website of a car accident attorney in Wilmington.

Damage Assessment

Leaking engine fluids indicate some heavy damage here, and they also pose a danger to the passengers. Luckily, first responders are on the scene here and everything seems to be fine. Remember, accidents can easily produce fire hazards. Be careful.

What You Need to Know About a Wrongful Death Suit

When a loved one dies suddenly and unexpectedly, you may find yourself not only grieving but also facing financial strain due to the sudden loss of income, as well as medical and funeral expenses. When the death was the legal fault of another person or a business, your family may want to file a wrongful death claim. Claims can stem from issues such as accidents, medical malpractice and product liability. The liable party is considered at fault if they have acted intentionally or negligently, meaning he or she failed to act as a reasonable person would.

Who Can Sue?

Wrongful death suits may be filed on behalf of the survivors, usually immediate family members such as spouses and children. Some states do not require the person to be a blood relative, but he or she must still prove direct financial harm as a result of the death.

Types of Damages

Calculating damages can be a complex process. There are three forms of damages survivors may claim: punitive, economic and non-economic.

• Punitive are awarded to punish the defendant
• Economic covers financial loss, such as the victim’s anticipated earnings, medical benefits and pension plans
• Non-economic damages are for less tangible issues, such as mental anguish and loss of companionship

Most states impose a time limit, or statute of limitations, for which a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed. 

Usually, a claim must be made within two years of the event that caused the death. To learn more about filing a claim, please visit this website of a wrongful death lawyer in Jacksonville.