Partnering with solo and small law firms to provide preventative ethics counseling; research for ethical inquiries; and disciplinary and malpractice

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1 Partnering with solo and small law firms to provide preventative ethics counseling; research for ethical inquiries; and disciplinary and malpractice defense.

2 Successful law practices are ethically sound practices. At a Glance What is LEC? LEC is a consulting firm that helps solo and small firms navigate the complex rules of legal ethics. Why was it created? Allison L.Wood created LEC to educate and assist legal practitioners in identifying ethical risks in their practice, and to recommend business and marketing solutions that address those risks and reduce exposure to disciplinary and/or legal malpractice claims. Who is Allison L.Wood? Ms.Wood is a uniquely qualified legal consultant, bringing over five years experience as a Hearing Board Chair of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission ( ARDC ), nearly five years as Litigation Counsel for the ARDC, and over 20 years experience as a litigation attorney in Illinois. Why should I trust LEC to provide these services? Ms. Wood understands the perspectives and priorities of both the attorney and the ARDC. She knows the business side of client/attorney relationships, case management, and billing and marketing. Her service to the ARDC provided her with rich insight into what attorneys can do to reduce their exposure to disciplinary and legal malpractice claims. Ms.Wood s experience and keen focus on legal ethics makes LEC a solid, trustworthy partner. Why do I need these services? Statistically, solo and small firm practitioners have a higher risk of becoming the subject of a disciplinary charge or a legal malpractice claim because they lack the time and/or the resources to thoroughly research and investigate their ethical obligations; or to stay abreast of every ethics opinion that affects their practice. LEC assists in identifying potential ethical risks and finds solutions early, helping attorneys prevent exposure to costly and time-consuming disciplinary and legal malpractice claims.

3 LEC s services help attorneys save time and money so they can focus on what they do best providing attentive client service and generating new business. Experienced & Uniquely Qualified Allison L. Wood, Principal, LEC Litigation Over 20 years representing corporate clients in tort and business litigation and employment defense, as well as individuals in discrimination and employment and criminal matters. Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission Five years as a Hearing Board Chair of the ARDC, the agency that regulates and disciplines Illinois lawyers for attorney misconduct. Nearly five years as Litigation Counsel with the ARDC, where she investigated and prosecuted allegations of attorney misconduct; and personally handled over 400 telephonic ethics inquiries from Illinois attorneys. Professional Educator Over 10 years as an adjunct professor and lecturer at the following area law schools: University of Chicago, DePaul University College of Law, and The John Marshall Law School, relating to pre-trial litigation skills, litigation skills, and professional responsibility courses. Ms. Wood was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Illinois in 1987, the Federal Bar in 1989, and the Federal Trial Bar in She is a member of the Chicago, Illinois, and American Bar Associations.

4 Services Offered Ethics Auditing LEC conducts interviews, collects data and provides a comprehensive assessment that helps attorneys identify the ethical risks they may be exposed to in the following four areas: Management of client/attorney relationships Case management Billing and handling of client funds Marketing materials and use of legal technology Business Solutions After providing comprehensive assessments of a client s practice, LEC is able to assist in implementing a variety of business solutions to address any ethical risks found. These services will be tailored to the client and can include: Revisions to written client communications including fee agreements Revisions to website content and other marketing materials Suggestions to improve office management systems Credible Expert Testimony LEC will provide reputable expert testimony relative to legal malpractice cases. Attorney Ethics Inquiries If an attorney has a particular ethical question, LEC will provide guidance, research, and advice. This is an especially valuable service, since ARDC attorneys and other attorneys who respond to on-line or telephonic ethical inquiries are prohibited from providing legal advice Disclaimer: In providing these services, Legal Ethics Consulting, P.C. represents only that ethical risk can be reduced via recommended business practices that are implemented and consistently adhered to by the client. Legal Ethics Consulting, P.C. cannot guarantee that a client of these services will never be the subject of a disciplinary charge or a legal malpractice claim, as compliance with ethical obligations cannot be delegated or transferred. Legal Ethics Consulting, P.C. expressly states that it has no ability to influence improperly any disciplinary agency or court to achieve any results on behalf of any client. Disciplinary and Legal Malpractice Defense LEC will investigate an ARDC inquiry received by an attorney, and provide a comprehensive response to the ARDC. LEC will also provide ARDC defense if the inquiry turns into a formal complaint; as well as provide litigation defense of malpractice claims.

5 Allison L. Wood North Michigan Avenue, Suite 300 Chicago, Illinois 60611