Introduction and Objectives

Frauds against lawyers do not discriminate. They can take place in any practice area and target any lawyer or law firm. Anyone can be a victim.

Scammers attempting to defraud lawyers typically claim to be a seeking representation in respect of a fabricated legal issue, which can be anything from a real estate issue to a loan collection to a compensation for wrongful termination. All the types of frauds that can affect lawyers are too numerous to mention in detail. But this module will outline some common and problematic areas and may give you some tips on recognizing and managing the risks. A key thing to remember is that fraud schemes are constantly evolving, so awareness and skepticism are always required to identify new techniques.

There is no surefire way to avoid being a target. However, there are good habits and processes to develop to reduce the probability of succumbing to fraud and steps to take if you are a victim to limit potential liability.

Objectives

The objectives of this module are to:

1. Review some of the most common forms of fraud against lawyers.
2. Highlight red flags that you should be aware of.
3. Provide actionable steps you can take to protect yourself and your practice.

Although we aim to present a comprehensive Module, this Module is not exhaustive. This Module is not a substitute for exercising professional judgment and does not constitute legal advice.

Time Estimate for this Module (including Quiz, but not including Optional Videos): 40 minutes