Monthly Archives: June 2025

Unique Follow Through

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Every golfer has a unique follow-through. Whether it’s long and graceful or short and awkward, it’s the finishing move that gets the ball where it needs to go. Without a proper follow-through, even the best swing won’t deliver the result you’re aiming for. The same is true when it comes to insurance protection for your law office.

Most attorneys start the swing—they carry legal malpractice insurance. But too many stop short. They don’t follow through by protecting themselves against cyber liability. And that’s where the shot falls short.

The Risk of Not Following Through

I hear it all the time:

“I’ve been meaning to look into cyber insurance…”
“We’re a small office—nobody’s going to hack us.”
“We don’t have any information that hackers want.”

Wrong. Those are all excuses—and dangerous ones. Hackers aren’t just targeting the big fish. In fact, they have a name for small firms that lack sophisticated cyber defenses:
“Low-hanging fruit.”

Law firms, even solo practices, store exactly the kind of data hackers crave—names, addresses, Social Security numbers, banking info, legal documents, and confidential case files. That’s gold to a cybercriminal. And without the security infrastructure of a Fortune 500 company, you’re an easy target.

What About My Malpractice Policy?

Another common myth I hear is this:

“My legal malpractice policy already covers cyber claims.”

Not quite.

Your legal malpractice policy might include a small amount of ancillary cyber coverage—but not nearly enough to protect you if a serious breach occurs. Cyber incidents can trigger lawsuits, regulatory fines, business interruption, ransom demands, and reputational damage. You need a dedicated cyber liability policy to handle those risks.

Protect Your Clients. Protect Your Practice.

Your legal malpractice policy is your swing.
Cyber insurance is your follow-through.

If you want your protection to actually reach its target—your clients, your firm, your future—you have to complete the motion.

There are no mulligans in the world of cyber claims. Once you’re hit, the damage is done—and without the right coverage, it could be devastating.

So, take the next step. Don’t stub the shot. Follow through and secure cyber liability coverage for your law office.

It just makes sense -> https://integrityfirstins.biz/Home/CyberIndication

Do You Have the Right Number of Clubs in Your Bag?

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There’s a reason why golfers are allowed to carry 14 clubs in their bag—because no single club can handle every shot on the course. Different situations call for different tools, and smart golfers prepare for anything that might come their way.

The same logic applies to legal malpractice insurance. Just like a full golf bag, your malpractice policy should be equipped with a range of coverages—each designed to help you handle the many different “shots” you’ll face in your law practice.

Here are the 14 “clubs” I believe every law firm should have in their insurance bag:

1. Prior Acts Coverage

Make sure your policy covers work you’ve done before the current policy period.

2. Career Prior Acts Coverage

Even better, find a policy that offers coverage for the entire span of your legal career.

3. Sufficient Policy Limits

Don’t come up short. Ensure your limits are high enough to handle a serious claim.

4. A Deductible That Matches Your Firm Size

Balance affordability with risk—your deductible should reflect your firm’s resources.

5. Coverage for Disciplinary Matters

Ethics complaints happen. You’ll want protection if your license is ever at risk.

6. Extended Reporting (Tail) Coverage

If you retire or switch carriers, make sure you can still report claims from past work.

7. Free Retirement Tail

Look for policies that offer a complimentary tail when you permanently retire.

8. A Broad Definition of “Insured”

Make sure your policy clearly includes all attorneys, staff, and affiliated roles.

9. Coverage for Of Counsel and Independent Contractors

These contributors need protection too—confirm they’re covered under your policy.

10. A Less Restrictive Consent-to-Settle Clause

Avoid a true “hammer clause” that forces your hand in claim settlements.

11. Easy Reporting Methods

Claims should be reportable via mail, email, phone, or even fax—without hassle.

12. Local Defense Counsel

If you’re in Pennsylvania, make sure Pennsylvania lawyers will defend you.

13. A Malpractice Helpline or Hotline

Quick access to guidance can help you avoid missteps before they become claims.

14. An Efficient Renewal Process

Renewals shouldn’t be a burden. Find a carrier that makes it easy and smooth.

Just like golf, preparation matters. But unlike golf, you don’t have to stop at 14 clubs. Your malpractice coverage should be tailored to your specific needs, not limited by an arbitrary number.

So, before you tee off or sign your next policy renewal—check your bag. Make sure you have everything you need to play a strong legal defense game.

Reporting A Claim Is Important

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In law, as in life, things can change quickly—and not always for the better. When it comes to legal malpractice insurance, a sudden shift usually means one thing: a claim has been filed against you.

If that ever happens, there are several important steps you’ll need to take. But one step matters more than all the others:

Report the claim or potential claim immediately.

This cannot be overstated. As soon as you become aware of an issue, you should contact your carrier—whether by phone, email, mail, or fax. However you choose to report it, just make sure you do.

At INF, we encourage clients to include us on all claim-related correspondence. This allows us to follow up directly and ensure proper documentation is in place from the beginning.

You might think reporting a claim is a no-brainer—but too many insureds hesitate or delay. Why?

  • Denial: Hoping the issue will disappear
  • Discomfort: Avoiding the stress of reliving the situation
  • Delay: Believing there’s more time than there actually is

Unfortunately, these delays can lead to devastating consequences. When a claim is finally reported late, coverage can be denied—simply because of the timing. This is not a situation you want to be in.

So here’s the bottom line: 

If you suspect a malpractice claim is coming, report it immediately.

Think of it as giving yourself a free shot from a buried lie. It’s the first—and most critical—step in protecting yourself, your firm, and your future.