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Welcome to the Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (WALA) Newsletter. WALA provides information for not only current members, but also valuable information for prospective ALA and Wisconsin Chapter members (ALA membership required in order to join Chapter). Information is available for attorneys, legal management directors, legal management department directors/managers (finance, human resources, facilities, marketing and information technology) and legal industry business partners and service providers. Legal departments and law firms, once solely managed by attorneys, now turn to legal administrators for support and enhancement of the practice of law. CHAPTER EVENTS CHAPTER NEWS BOARD MEMBERS Fall 2019

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Page 1: (2019 Fall Class Action) - StarChapter€¦ · player (member) and earn a $25 gift card. If you recruit a rookie (student member), you will earn a $5 Starbucks gift card. For each

Welcome to the Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (WALA) Newsletter.

WALA provides information for not only current members, but also valuable information for prospective ALA and Wisconsin Chapter members (ALA membership required in order to join Chapter). Information is available for attorneys, legal management directors, legal management department directors/managers (finance, human resources, facilities, marketing and information technology) and legal industry business partners and service providers. Legal departments and law firms, once solely managed by attorneys, now turn to legal administrators for support and enhancement of the practice of law.

CHAPTER EVENTS

CHAPTER NEWS

BOARD MEMBERS

Fall 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT IS THE WISCONSIN LAWYERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM? .................................................... 2

VP of EDUCATION ....................................................................................................................... 2

VP OF MEMBERSHIP ................................................................................................................... 4

PUZZLED BY THE PUZZLE PIECES? ............................................................................................... 5

ALA QUICK LINKS ........................................................................................................................ 6

STRATEGIC PARTNER HAPPENINGS ............................................................................................. 6

ALA CAREER CENTER ................................................................................................................... 6

VP OF SPECIAL PROJECTS ............................................................................................................ 7

ONCE UPON A CYBERCRIME: ARE YOU COVERED? ...................................................................... 7

THE LAST WORD ....................................................................................................................... 14

THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 BUSINESS PARTNERS ....................................................................... 19

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WHAT IS THE WISCONSIN LAWYERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM? The Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) provides confidential assistance to judges, lawyers, law students and their families in coping with any substance misuse, mental health challenges or other stressors which negatively impact the quality of life and the practice of law. WisLAP understands that the practice of law is demanding and stressful, and our clinical staff and volunteer attorneys can provide support and guidance to attorneys and legal staff in coping with challenges and pressures big and small.

Legal employers know that organizational success is affected by the well-being of their employees. When employees are mentally and physically well they typically have a greater capacity for engagement and productivity. Employees who are not meeting expectations may be struggling with stress, anxiety, or other conditions that negatively affect overall well-being. Confidential WisLAP consultations are available to WALA members with concerns about yourself or someone else. WisLAP callers may remain anonymous when you call the helpline for information about WisLAP services. WisLAP also provides informative and educational presentations to local bar associations, divisions, and law firms, train peer volunteers and monitors, and more. Find out more by visiting their website or by calling Mary Spranger, LCSW or Jason Magill, LPC at (800) 444-9404.

VP of EDUCATION Holly G. Coyle, Accounting Manager, Murphy Desmond, SC I’m pleased to announce that WALA and the State Bar of Wisconsin have joined forces, so WALA’s ACE Conference will take place at the State Bar Annual Meeting and Convention (AMC). WALA will have its own track featuring Leadership and Business Management and well as all WALA members can attend the State Bar sessions to earn additional educational credits. The AMC will be held at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI on June 11 and 12, 2020. Stay tuned for more information, listing of sessions, and fabulous speakers. We are thrilled about this partnership with the State Bar of Wisconsin hoping to enhance our education presentations, grow the membership of WALA, and develop additional resources to assist us with our law firms. We are looking forward to an exciting 2020.

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2019 MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN

In 2019, it’s time to T.E.A.M. Up with WALA! Together Everyone Accomplishes More! When you get involved with WALA and take advantage of the many benefits afforded by your membership, you will see amazing results both professionally and personally! Listed below are various opportunities to be part of the T.E.A.M. and earn some financial rewards, too! SCORE!

PLAYER – Join the T.E.A.M. as a new member or renew your membership in WALA and win a certificate to attend

your first luncheon meeting in 2019 for FREE! Upon receipt of your dues’ payment, the WALA membership committee will e-mail you a coupon to present at your next Madison or Milwaukee luncheon. TOUCHDOWN!

CHEERLEADER – We need you to shout our praises and encourage the T.E.A.M.’s endeavors by serving on a

committee. It is a good way to get involved, share new ideas, and keep our chapter relevant. Choose from Business Partners, Communications, Education, Membership, Special Projects, or Next Generation Emerging Leaders. For each committee you serve on, your name will be entered into a drawing for three (3) $50 gift cards to be awarded at the Fall Social. Contact Sandy Schmitt at [email protected] and let her know which committee(s) you would like to be a part of, and she will get you in touch with the appropriate Vice President. GOAL!

COACH – Every successful T.E.A.M. needs a good coach who is always working to develop new talent. Recruit a new

player (member) and earn a $25 gift card. If you recruit a rookie (student member), you will earn a $5 Starbucks gift card. For each new free agent (business partner) you recruit, you will earn a $100 gift card. Make sure the new Business Partner lists your name in an e-mail to Maribeth Karpinski at [email protected]. SLAM DUNK!

MASCOT – Defined as a person who brings luck to the T.E.A.M., what makes our events successful is your

participation! Whether at the monthly luncheons, social events, Big Hearts campaign, or community outreach events, member attendance is key. The T.E.A.M. benefits by getting to know new members and reconnecting with returnees as well as our business partners. Attend four (4) events in 2019 for a chance to win a registration scholarship to ALA’s 2020 Annual Conference. Just send an e-mail to Sandy Schmitt at [email protected] listing your four events and your name will be entered into the drawing to be held at WALA’s Annual Meeting. HOME RUN

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VP OF MEMBERSHIP Sandy Schmitt, Galanis, Pollack, Jacobs & Johnson, S.C.

It’s fall and it’s a great time for Wisconsin sports teams! The Brewers are in the hunt for a playoff spot! The Packers started the season strong and are 19-1 odds for winning the Super Bowl, which is in the top-10 odds of teams! Meanwhile, the Badgers are ranked #8 in the latest AP poll! Fall is also a great time to T.E.A.M. Up with WALA and take advantage of the many opportunities your membership provides! We look forward to having you join us for the Big Hearts Campaign Finale and Expo on October 8, 2019, at the Concord House in Sullivan. It will be a wonderful way to celebrate our fundraising efforts for NAMI, to network with our business partners while learning what’s new in the legal industry, and to meet and reconnect with T.E.A.M. members. Another event you don’t want to miss is the Fall Social which will be held on November 7, 2019, at Lewis Station in Lake Mills. Remember, involvement is a good way to be part of the T.E.A.M., and we have six committees that are always looking for new ideas and member participation. You can choose from Membership, Business Partners, Special Projects, Communications, Education, or Next Generation Emerging Leaders. Just let me know your area of interest, and I will contact the appropriate VP. As an added incentive, for every committee you serve on, your name will be entered into a drawing for three $50 gift cards to be awarded at the Fall Social.

Our T.E.A.M. roster continues to expand, and here are highlights on our two newest members.

Meghan Henthorne is the Firm Administrative Assistant and HR Coordinator at Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. in Hartford. She has been with the firm since May of this year. After earning her associate paralegal degree from Madison Area Technical College, she worked for 1½ years as a Litigation Assistant for Enerson Law in Brookfield. For the next 2½ years, Meghan was an Insurance Defense Paralegal at Ryan Law Firm in Brookfield. Currently, she works with all four of the firm’s branches in Hartland, WI, Austin, TX, New Orleans, LA, and Santa Ana, CA.

Favorite restaurant: Ha Long Bay in Madison Team I cheer for: Wisconsin Badgers What I enjoy about fall: Cool, crisp sunny days, pumpkins, and Thanksgiving

Fun fact about me: Last year, I traveled abroad for the first time to Ireland for my honeymoon!

Molly Cunningham is the Office Manager at West & Dunn, LLC in Waunakee. She has been with the firm for two years and is responsible for handling its day-to-day operations. This is her first job in the legal field. Prior to this, she worked as the administrative assistant for a church. Molly is originally from Lodi.

Favorite food: Mexican Team I cheer for: Chicago Bears (my parents were from Illinois) What I enjoy about fall: Colors of the trees

In my spare time, I enjoy: Camping with my two young children

Congratulations to long-time member Lenor Coe who recently retired as the Business Manager at Brennan Steil S.C. in Janesville! May she enjoy a long and happy retirement! Also, Stephanie Dantinne is the Co-Vice President for the 2019-2020 term and will be Chapter President for the 2020-2021 term for the Middle Tennessee ALA chapter. With her many talents and strong organizational and leadership skills, she is a real asset to their board!

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Continue to contact me with any member updates or news you would like to share. As always, I appreciate you being part of the T.E.A.M. and look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event! PUZZLED BY THE PUZZLE PIECES? Paul Purdue, Principal at Attorney Computer Systems “It’s an elbow.” “No, it’s a necktie.” “What about this? Is this a leg?” “No, it is the edge of a table.” These are the types of arguments you have when putting together a puzzle with your wife. Well, these are the types of arguments I have when putting together a puzzle with my wife. It is easy to think you know what you’re looking at when you are staring carefully at an individual puzzle piece -- it is just as easy to be completely wrong. How do you react when you’re completely wrong about something? First, let’s agree that when we are putting a puzzle together, we can see both the big picture and we can see all of the individual pieces. The trick lies in how well you can quickly, methodically, and calmly get all of the little pieces assembled so they create the bigger picture. We have likely all put a puzzle together, so we can also agree that the best way to bring the bigger picture into focus is to first assemble the pieces that

obviously go together. While people may use different strategies, each one involves starting with something that is known and gradually allowing the puzzle to form the picture. Inevitably, we also know we will get stuck at some point along the way. . How do you react when you get stuck? Frustration is the number one reaction I see when someone learns they are wrong when they were convinced they were right. Frustration is also the most common reaction I see when someone gets stuck at a particular part of the puzzle. I also see people blame the puzzle, blame themselves, or even blame somebody else when they get hung up on these unpleasantries. We use the same “puzzle process” in our lives and in the workplace. Our goals, plans and projects are the big pictures we are trying to piece together. The same frustration occurs when we encounter unpleasant obstacles. Our reactions, however, are more important than we realize. What happens if you get frustrated when you are trying to piece together a puzzle at work or in your life? You may think this frustration is temporary, but are you seeing the bigger picture? Do you realize how that frustration bleeds into and affects other areas in your life? Fortunately, there are two other feelings that bleed into other areas of your life - peace and confidence. These feelings are a much better alternative to frustration. Easier said than done, but worth your time and effort to try and achieve. The next time you’re hit with a wave of frustration, try these methodical steps to bring things back towards peace and confidence:

1. Remember there is a bigger picture made up of smaller pieces.

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2. Remember the smaller pieces are hard to understand by themselves. 3. Remember all the pieces you need are in front of you -- none are missing. 4. Remember you can only put one piece into place at a time. The next piece. 5. Find a piece, any piece that you can put into place now. 6. Smile and repeat.

The work you do is important. Equally important is how you do the work you do. At Attorney Computer Systems, we are professional puzzle solvers. We are in your offices observing how you work on your puzzles, and helping you solve the mystery of how things fit together. Over the years you have taught us how important it is to be worry-free. You have taught us when somebody feels good about the work they do, they do good work and inspire good work from those around them. Therefore, let us take a moment of our time to remind you - one piece of the puzzle at a time. When you worry less, you practice more. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Paul Purdue is a principal at Attorney Computer Systems. He's a self-proclaimed "infrastructure nerd." Check out Paul's growing library of legal technology articles and videos on Attorney Computer Systems' web site. Contact Paul: (800) 475-8104 [email protected] www.attorneycomputersystems.com ALA QUICK LINKS As a member of The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), there is a wealth of information on the website. • Locate a Business Partner in the Legal

Marketplace or the Business Partner Center. • Learn about the Diversity Initiative. • Attain the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)

distinction.

• Search for educational materials, Conference information, or webinar information on the Education webpage.

• Stay abreast by reviewing the Antitrust Guidelines.

STRATEGIC PARTNER HAPPENINGS ARMA MILWAUKEE OCTOBER MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT Join ARMA Milwaukee on Thursday October 17, 2019 at the Milwaukee County Zoo when Faith Benassi, Exhibits Registrar for the Milwaukee County Zoo shares what it’s like to manage Zoological Records. Be on the lookout for a more detailed announcement with registration information from Emily Herda, ARMA Milwaukee’s Chair of Programs. ALA CAREER CENTER A variety of articles & resources to help you develop your skills and enhance your career.

• Compensation and Benefits Survey • Career Resources Kit • Free resources from Robert Half Legal®

Subscribe to the Weekly Career Connection Newsletter.

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VP OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Jessica A. Beyer, Office Manager, DeWitt Ross & Stevens Here we are WALA friends! We have crested the top of this thrill ride and are getting ready to wave our arms in the air as we roar into the Big Hearts Finale & Expo. I hope you will be present on October 8th at 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Concord House to celebrate the success of our fundraising efforts for NAMI Wisconsin. Here’s what you can expect at the event:

3:00 pm: Registration 3:30 pm: Expo Hall Activities & Silent Auction - Yes, you should bring cash or your checkbook. 5:00 pm: Buffet Dinner - Beer, wine, soda, and water will be provided as well as a cash bar. 6:30 pm: Silent Auction Closes 6:45 pm: Big Check Awarded to NAMI Wisconsin 7:00 pm: Good Night!

Our event will be emceed by WALA’s very own Christopher Shattuck, Practice 411 Manager of the State Bar of Wisconsin. We will also enjoy musical entertainment by Sheriff and the Outlaw of which Steve Malin, Gordon Flesch Companies, is a member. Please submit any donations to your area team captain by September 30th:

• Madison Captain: Kathy Pline

• Milwaukee Captain: Bridget Lueck

A few things to remember as we wrap our fundraising:

1. Closeout your Facebook fundraising campaigns, and screenshot the results to send to your area captain. 2. Online donations do count! Obtain a receipt and send it to your area captain. 3. You can bring cash donations to the expo on October 8th. Please count the funds before submission.

Questions? Reach out to me via e-mail and don’t forget to register here! Check out the WALA calendar for upcoming events. ONCE UPON A CYBERCRIME: ARE YOU COVERED? Christopher C. Shattuck, State Bar of Wisconsin Spending a little time now to explore whether your firm's insurance is adequate can reduce the risk of a computer breach becoming a financial disaster. Several weeks of negotiations and hard work were about to pay off for a sole practitioner representing a millionaire client in a residential real estate deal. The accepted offer required the client to place $30,000 earnest money into escrow within five business days. The client owed the lawyer $2,000 for services rendered and cut a check for $32,000. The check was made payable to the lawyer’s trust account and hand-delivered on a Friday morning. After receiving the check, the lawyer exchanged emails with the seller’s agent to confirm wiring instructions for the earnest money. Out of an abundance of caution and given the large sum that was to be deposited, emails were also exchanged with the institution managing the lawyer’s trust account. The check was deposited into the lawyer’s trust account on the Friday it was received. The lawyer planned to release the funds from the trust account, minus attorney fees, the following week

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after the funds cleared. Everything seemed to be working perfectly, until Monday. On Monday, the lawyer arrived at the office to discover that the firm’s email account could not be accessed. The lawyer had recently changed passwords and credited the problem to forgetting the password. The lawyer sent an email to the IT professional the firm uses and received an out-of-office message in response. The IT professional would be out until Wednesday but would respond to urgent situations. Urgent responses incurred an extra charge, and because the lawyer did not have anything pressing other than the real estate transaction, the lawyer decided to put off work until hearing from the IT professional. On Wednesday afternoon, the IT professional called the lawyer to relay that the firm’s email account was hacked. The IT professional explained that the passwords had been reset to lock out the hackers from future access, but that all the lawyer’s emails had been accessed and then deleted. Adding to the bad news, the hackers were able to install malware on the firm’s networks and systems. The IT professional recommended that the law firm systems be scrubbed or replaced. Shocked and confused, the lawyer began damage control. First, the lawyer determined that it would be more cost effective to replace systems than pay the IT professional to scrub the malware. Next, the lawyer completed an assessment of risk concerning the emails and confidential information that was accessed. In the middle of the assessment, the lawyer quickly realized that the most urgent issue was the information regarding the residential real estate closing. It was already after the close of business on Wednesday, and the lawyer did not have access to online trust account login credentials that were previously stored in the lawyer’s email account. The

lawyer resolved to make sure everything was in order the following day. On Thursday, the lawyer was greeted with more bad news. The funds had cleared on Wednesday morning, and shortly thereafter, the bank received an email from the lawyer’s email account with wiring withdrawal instructions for the funds. All the money in the lawyer’s trust account was first wire transferred into the lawyer’s business account and then transferred to a different institution. The bank was unable to recall the wire transfer and recommended that the lawyer contact the FBI and the firm’s malpractice insurance provider. The lawyer immediately informed the client of the disappearance of the funds. The client fired the lawyer and promptly filed a grievance. Thereafter, the lawyer contacted the malpractice insurance provider to determine coverage for potential proceedings initiated by the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR), a malpractice lawsuit, coverage for replacing or restoring computer systems, notifying other clients of the security breach, repairing potential loss of reputation, and covering the money stolen from the lawyer’s trust account. Determining Whether Malpractice Insurance Covers a Claim According to Tom Watson, senior vice president and director of communications at Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual Insurance Co., “The first step in determining whether a claim will be covered by malpractice insurance is to determine whether it’s a first-party or third-party claim. The introductory hypothetical involves first-party damages (lawyer’s computer systems, $2,000 loss of earned fees, and damage to reputation) and third-party damages (client’s loss of $30,000 and exposure of information protected by attorney-client privilege).”

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Stated differently, first-party claims are damages that the policyholder incurs (the lawyer is the first party), whereas third-party claims are damages that are incurred by someone other than the first party (the client is the third party). Malpractice insurance coverage generally extends to third-party claims. The next step in determining whether damages will be covered under malpractice insurance is to determine if a claim has been made. “Malpractice insurance provides coverage on a claims-made basis. Meaning, although there are damages, the policy does not kick in until a claim that is covered under the policy is made and reported in writing to the legal malpractice insurance carrier,” says Watson. Watson continues, “The wrinkle in the introductory hypothetical is the fact that the client did not file a lawsuit against the attorney, but rather filed a grievance with the Office of Lawyer Regulation. WILMIC provides $5,000 of coverage for legal representation in OLR grievance proceedings, which are not as a result of intentional or criminal acts, during the policy period in which the grievance is reported. WILMIC’s grievance coverage does not require payment of a deductible and does not impact policy limits. However, that’s the approach WILMIC takes; lawyers need to review their malpractice insurance policy to determine how or if grievance defense coverage is available.” “If a malpractice insurance claim were to be filed by the client in this situation, then it would go through the typical negligence analysis. Was there in fact negligence, did that negligence cause damages, and what are those damages?” says Watson. “It’s also important to note that we, at WILMIC, take the approach that if a lawsuit were to be filed in the hypothetical situation, malpractice insurance coverage would likely extend to cover the client’s loss of funds. Other malpractice insurance providers might take the approach that such claims are cyber in

nature, and must be covered under a cyber policy,” Watson adds. Watson advises that after a cyber breach occurs, lawyers should address the underlying issue that caused the problem. Often, lawyers must undergo additional training to help identify instances of cybercrimes and must practice avoidance techniques. Identifying, understanding, and taking steps to counteract cyber threats are vital factors in outmaneuvering cybercriminals. “A common misconception by attorneys with malpractice insurance is that they will be covered no matter what type of damages are incurred. However, as illustrated in the hypothetical situation, the attorney would not be covered for damages incurred by the client, unless it can be established that the attorney was negligent, and even then, the first-party damages suffered by the attorney may not be covered,” says Watson. “Part of the problem is the technology culture in which we operate. Although information is constantly published about data breaches and cybercrimes, attorneys still do not think it could happen to them. Then, when it does happen to them, they are sometimes under the mistaken belief that malpractice insurance coverage will take care of all the damages. Unfortunately, that may not be the case.” Watson recommends, “Attorneys should review their current malpractice insurance policies and have discussions with their providers to determine their coverage for damages. A better understanding of the limits of malpractice insurance will allow the lawyer to make informed decisions regarding whether to supplement their malpractice insurance coverage with additional insurance, such as property, cyber, or crime policies. We strive to educate attorneys on this topic and also provide supplemental policies, because

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we want attorneys and our insured to have the right coverage in any situation.” Determining Whether Cyber Insurance Covers a Claim Michael Harty, director of program business at M3 Insurance, says, “My first step in determining whether a claim would be covered under cyber insurance coverage is to determine the specific details of the situation that arose. Next, I begin with a coverage analysis of which insurance policy should be primarily responsible. I’ll start with directors’ and officers’ insurance, then work my way through property, casualty, malpractice, cyber, and crime coverages. The primary goal is to determine what events took place and then determine which insurance policy should provide the appropriate coverage.” Unlike malpractice insurance, cyber insurance covers the insured for both first-party and third-party claims. According to Harty, “The first-party claims that would typically be covered in the introductory hypothetical are first and foremost, a forensic investigation. We’d quickly see what needs to be done to avoid further exposure and loss. Network business interruption and data reconstruction losses would likely be covered beyond the deductible. If sensitive personal data was exposed, legal and breach coach consultations would help orchestrate breach-response notifications going out, which in turn, include identity theft benefits of having credit and identity monitoring. Public relations expenses may also be covered to mitigate damage to the brand or reputation.” “If the malware also came with a ransom note, cyber extortion payments would be covered. Regulatory defense and penalties can be covered if and when the regulators come calling. Separately, this incident can quite clearly result in a lawsuit, which would trigger the third-party liability coverage section and if negligence exists, damages. Finally, separate lawsuits might be filed depending on whether private

information was exposed and caused damages,” says Harty. As with malpractice insurance, cyber insurance only provides coverage for certain claims. “For instance, cyber insurance would not necessarily cover the first-party cost of replacing computer systems, replacing the $32,000 of funds stolen from the attorney’s trust account, or replacing other hardware that was damaged as a result of the cyber intrusion. For computer or other hardware malfunctions, attorneys should look to their property or business insurance policies. An attorney should look for coverage under a crime policy for fees stolen from trust accounts,” adds Harty. The introductory hypothetical and typical coverage analysis provide for payment of cyber claims, even though a lawsuit was not filed. In fact, most cyber claims do not trigger the liability-coverage section in malpractice insurance. This is an important advantage for lawyers who are victims of cybercrimes and need immediate action to restore data, notify clients, restore reputations, and refocus available resources on practicing law. Determining Whether Crime Coverage Covers a Claim Crime coverage, like cyber insurance, provides coverage for claims even when lawsuits are not filed. If a lawsuit were to be filed in the introductory hypothetical, a supplemental policy like crime coverage adds additional layers of protection. “Not all malpractice insurance providers take the position that malpractice insurance should cover a claim in a lawsuit based on the $30,000 stolen out of the hypothetical attorney’s trust account. That’s because the invented facts do not illustrate any negligent breach on behalf of the attorney. Without a breach, some malpractice insurance providers will not provide coverage in the event of a lawsuit,” Harty says.

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Another helpful component of crime coverage is specifically for coverage of funds stolen out of the trust account. Harty explains, “Malpractice insurance would not provide coverage for the $30,000 stolen from the trust account, unless a written claim was made and reported in writing to the malpractice insurance carrier, and even that depends on the breach analysis. Malpractice will not cover the $2,000 of the attorney fees that were stolen. Cyber coverage will not provide first-party coverage of the money stolen out of the trust account. However, crime coverage would typically provide coverage for the $30,000 of the client’s money stolen and $2,000 of the attorney fees that were stolen, even if a lawsuit were not filed.” Conclusion The introductory hypothetical situation and typical coverages were simplified for the purpose of illustration. Coverage under any insurance policy depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each incident, the terms and exclusions of the specific policy, policy limits, and whether any other party can be held responsible for damages. For instance, financial institutions have their own responsibilities and insurance coverages. Although rare, the perpetrators of crime may be caught and restitution awarded. The underlying theme, though, is to ensure you have the appropriate coverages to protect your law firm when or after an incident occurs. One type of insurance will not cover your law firm for all occurrences. The introductory hypothetical illustrates the need for multiple layers of insurance coverage. Take the time to have discussions with your current insurance providers to examine hypothetical situations and determine the scope of your insurance coverages. Without proper coverage, law firms face the possibility of having to cover damages out of pocket, and for some that may not be possible. If you need assistance, the Practice411™ program is available to provide confidential consultations.

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Dear WALA Member, Leadership skills can help lawyers in every role and at every stage in their careers. Businesses that invest in high-impact leadership development programs are seven times more effective at achieving their organizational objectives1 They’re more likely to attract and retain talent, outperform competitors, and be able to shift strategies and adapt in an unpredictable business environment.2

But creating in-house leadership programs can take valuable time and resources away from you and your management team. Here’s where the State Bar of Wisconsin can help you. Consider the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy as the answer to your leadership training needs. The Leadership Academy is a comprehensive program designed specifically to empower participants with the skills, strategies, and resources to become effective leaders in their careers, communities, local and state bar associations, and the profession itself. The presenters are highly regarded national and regional speakers in their respective fields. This email contains all the links to documents and helpful information to make applying to the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy as easy as possible!

• 2019-20 Agenda • Speaker Profiles • Testimonials from past participants • G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy website

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The program is highly interactive with participants actively engaged with speakers, community and bar representatives, and their peers. As a result, it’s not your typical CLE program, and receives very high praise from past participants and their employers. Congratulate our past participants. Ask them about their experience attending the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy. Encourage your lawyers to apply today! Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2019. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by October 15 with a November 1 deadline to submit the registration fee. If you have any questions, please contact Beth Drake.

Annette Annette Ashley, J.D. Director, Professionalism and Engagement State Bar of Wisconsin www.wisbar.org Phone: (608) 250-6133 (800) 444-9404, ext. 6133 Your Practice. Our Purpose.™

[1]https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-bersin--associates-research-shows-that-organizations-with-high-impact-leadership-development-strategies-build-a-different-breed-of-leader-and-generate-seven-times-greater-business-impact-125556518.html [2]https://academy.webvent.tv/uploads/assets/264/document/DrivingPerformance_HowLeadershipDevelopmentPowersSustainedSuccess.pdf

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THE LAST WORD VP OF COMMUNICATIONS/CLASS ACTION EDITOR Pamela Zacharias, Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C. As you have heard and read, October 8th is our Big Hearts Finale. My Last Word for this edition comes directly from NAMI. Below is a short “bio” the organization and be sure to check out their website for incredibly personal and moving articles, some that really deepen our understanding of how far and wide mental health issues reach.

COME ON WALA…LET’S SEE THOSE BIG HEARTS!!!

NAMI Wisconsin is a state organization of NAMI. The mission of NAMI Wisconsin is to improve the quality of life of people affected by mental illness and to promote recovery. NAMI Wisconsin will accomplish its mission through the following:

• Promote public education and understanding of mental illnesses.

• Advocate at all levels of government and throughout the public sector to improve mental health care in Wisconsin.

• Support affiliates by providing follow-up advice and counsel; educational and training programs and materials; access to financial resources as appropriate; and by offering conferences, seminars, and presentations.

• Establish and strengthen local affiliates to keep with NAMI’s principles and guidelines.

NAMI Wisconsin's role in the mental healthcare system is to provide support. We do that through our programs, support groups, advocacy efforts, and resources. To learn more about NAMI Wisconsin's services (and to find your local NAMI) visit www.namiwisconsin.org

NAMI Wisconsin - A family-based, grassroots support and advocacy

organization.

He is a reminder of some ways to raise funds to help support WALA’s Big Hearts Campaign and NAMI:

• Host a jeans day at the office for $5/per person

• Have a potluck luncheon and charge a fee for non-contributors to eat

• Have a penny war with your co-workers

• Make a challenge with a Business Partner/Member Firm

• Donate a percentage of your sales from WALA firms

• Place a piggy bank next to the office vending machine to collect loose change

• Host a swear jar at your office

• Host a Euchre or Cornhole tournament

Folks can donate online and e-mail your receipt to your team captain:

• Madison Captain: Kathy Pline

• Milwaukee Captain: Bridget Lueck

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 BUSINESS PARTNERS

Business partners continue to be an integral part of WALA. Without them we would not be able to offer scholarships and other benefits of membership! Remember, any WALA member who brings in a new paid Business Partner will receive a $100 gift card. So let me know if you have any leads on potential BPs and I will be happy to reach out to them! Diamond

Gold Creative Business Interiors Johnson Insurance Services LLC LexisNexis M3 Insurance Solutions, Inc. Silver ABA Retirement Funds Affinity Consulting Complete Office of Wisconsin First Choice Coffee Services Focal Point Financial Strategies (new)

James Imaging Systems Rippe & Kingston Bronze Ambius Action Digital Document Solutions, Inc. All-State Legal Information Technology Professionals Tobin Solutions, Inc. Thomson Reuters (new)

If you have a need for any of the services provided by the above businesses, please consider using them. Thank you for your support of our Business Partners! They are a critical component of the success of WALA!