Program Details
2026-10-22 14:30:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2026-10-22 14:30:00
2h CLE Credits
Intermediate
2
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm ESTThis session examines why solo and small-firm attorneys bear a disproportionate share of legal malpractice claims tied to drafting errors, and what structured systems can replace the peer-review function they typically lack. Attorneys will learn to identify the specific clause-level failures — omissions, internal contradictions, vague terms, and template recycling artifacts — that generate the highest claim volume. They will leave with practical self-review protocols and a framework for evaluating AI-assisted review tools as a partial second-reviewer substitute, including the ethical and malpractice risks of deploying those tools without adequate oversight.
Kristie PrinzStacia Hofmann 3:40 pm - 4:40 pm ESTThis session covers the two disciplines that determine whether a small-firm attorney survives a malpractice claim: building a file that memorializes client intent at every stage of a matter and executing the legally and ethically correct response when the attorney discovers an error. Attendees will learn the specific contents engagement letters, confirmation-of-direction memos, and closing files must contain to serve as a defense; the ABA Opinion 481 framework for disclosing self-discovered errors; conflict-of-interest obligations triggered by an error; and the carrier-reporting sequence that preserves coverage. Attorneys leave with a practical checklist for documentation and a step-by-step protocol for handling errors without admitting liability or losing insurance coverage.
Robert TobeyCarrie PhaneufKristie Prinz is a software, AI, tech, digital health, and IP business lawyer in Silicon Valley, who has been providing technical business advice to early-stage start-ups and mid-market companies for 28 years.
Stacia Hofmann is a solo practitioner and an associate in risk management (ARM). Her practice focuses on drafting business and employment agreements and helping clients identify and manage contractual and operational risk. She also advises on business ownership matters and exits. Stacia founded Cornerpoint Law, with locations in Seattle and Boise, in 2015 after a decade in litigation.
Robert Tobey is a Shareholder at Johnston Tobey Baruch in Dallas, where he litigates legal malpractice and professional malpractice matters alongside commercial litigation, business disputes, and investment fraud cases, carrying them through trial, arbitration, and settlement. Best Lawyers has named him Lawyer of the Year in Legal Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs for Dallas/Fort Worth, and his speaking topics include malpractice avoidance and grievance defense and ethical fee agreements. He served as the 2020 President of the Dallas Bar Association.
Carrie Phaneuf is the Vice President of Loss Prevention of Texas Lawyers Insurance (TLI), an insurance company based in Austin, Texas that provides legal malpractice insurance to over 7000 lawyers and judges in Texas. In her role at TLI, she provides loss prevention, risk management and best practices guidance to TLI insureds; develops numerous resources for TLI insureds to help them be successful in their practice such as a robust forms library with over 45 forms; develops and presents CLE to TLI insureds, bar association groups, and law school groups; and writes a weekly blog on legal malpractice, ethics, and loss prevention issues.
Kristie Prinz is a software, AI, tech, digital health, and IP business lawyer in Silicon Valley, who has been providing technical business advice to early-stage start-ups and mid-market companies for 28 years.
Stacia Hofmann is a solo practitioner and an associate in risk management (ARM). Her practice focuses on drafting business and employment agreements and helping clients identify and manage contractual and operational risk. She also advises on business ownership matters and exits. Stacia founded Cornerpoint Law, with locations in Seattle and Boise, in 2015 after a decade in litigation.
Robert Tobey is a Shareholder at Johnston Tobey Baruch in Dallas, where he litigates legal malpractice and professional malpractice matters alongside commercial litigation, business disputes, and investment fraud cases, carrying them through trial, arbitration, and settlement. Best Lawyers has named him Lawyer of the Year in Legal Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs for Dallas/Fort Worth, and his speaking topics include malpractice avoidance and grievance defense and ethical fee agreements. He served as the 2020 President of the Dallas Bar Association.
Carrie Phaneuf is the Vice President of Loss Prevention of Texas Lawyers Insurance (TLI), an insurance company based in Austin, Texas that provides legal malpractice insurance to over 7000 lawyers and judges in Texas. In her role at TLI, she provides loss prevention, risk management and best practices guidance to TLI insureds; develops numerous resources for TLI insureds to help them be successful in their practice such as a robust forms library with over 45 forms; develops and presents CLE to TLI insureds, bar association groups, and law school groups; and writes a weekly blog on legal malpractice, ethics, and loss prevention issues.
Requirements
The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.
Formats
