Sean T. Stadelman, Author at Professional Liability Matters

January 24, 2018 Accountants

Accountants Still Targeted a Decade after Recession

Similar to the fallout from Enron, the Great Recession of 2007 saw many accounting firms back in the cross-hairs for allegedly failing to warn of the impending financial doom. Many of these entities (turned plaintiffs) were massive companies with billions in assets, leading to protracted and expensive litigation. While some cases settled to avoid further legal costs, one major accounting firm was recently found liable for violating audit standards for one of its major bank clients prior to the Great Recession. The presiding judge is …

September 1, 2016 Legal Malpractice

Attorney Reprimanded for Legal Aid to In-Laws

Professionals are often approached by friends and family for advice. At times, the particular issue might not fall squarely within the professional’s area of expertise or may involve a matter outside of the jurisdiction in which they are licensed to practice. Although the matter involves a seemingly trivial task, professionals cannot forego ethical standards simply because they happen to be close with the individual seeking assistance.

In a recent decision, the Minnesota Supreme Court took a Colorado attorney to task for the unauthorized practice …

May 5, 2016 Legal Malpractice

Liability for Failure to Report Misconduct

Many professionals are bound by a code of professional conduct. Sure, we have to play by the rules but those rules may require that we ensure others do as well. In a recent opinion, the Supreme Court of Ohio Board of Professional Conduct considered the circumstances in which an attorney is required to report rule violations by others. The Board addresses two specific questions in its opinion: (a) whether a lawyer prosecuting a malpractice case is obligated to report the defendant lawyer to the …

April 8, 2015 Defenses / Legal Malpractice

Court Clarifies Anti-SLAPP Defense in Malpractice Claims

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, or SLAPPs, are designed to chill free speech by targeting individuals who speak out on issues of public interest. SLAPP plaintiffs generally do not intend to win on the merits of the lawsuit, but instead seek to harass critics by forcing them to incur legal fees in defending frivolous claims. Consequently, many states have enacted anti-SLAPP statutes to protect petition and free speech rights. These statutes protect statements made before a government body or in a public forum in …

December 18, 2014 Law Practice Management

My Colleague’s Keeper – Benefits & Pitfalls of Law Firm Structures (Part II)

Monitoring Matters: In the first portion of this series, we examined how a recent New Jersey case highlighted the benefits of the law firm structure. Next we explore the risks, and responsibilities, of a supervising attorney at a law firm. Often, a good team is the most critical component of producing excellent services. A well-trained, productive, and properly supervised staff is undoubtedly an asset, but delegating to your team can present its own challenges. With this in mind, it is important for any attorney with …

July 31, 2014 Ethics / Legal Malpractice

Becoming a Pro at Pro Hac Vice Admission

Pro hac vice admission is a valuable tool for an attorney seeking to practice in a state in which she is not licensed. A Latin term meaning “for this turn,” pro hac vice is a relatively simple process, requiring only a sponsor attorney and that the out-of-state attorney seeking admission be in good standing in her home state. However, pro hac vice admission is not without risks, as illustrated by a recent New Jersey case.

In Pender v. Beiter, a New York attorney was …

March 20, 2014 Ethics / Legal Malpractice

Attorney Reprimanded for Criticizing Out-of-State Judges

Attorneys are expected to show the utmost respect when appearing before the judiciary. There is a line that differentiates zealous advocacy and disrespect. In a recent decision, a New Jersey attorney learned a valuable lesson about bad mouthing the court, even if that court sits in another jurisdiction.

The case arises from a New Jersey attorney who tried a case in Pennsylvania state court against a company that provided dispute resolution services. When the state court trial and appellate court judges ruled against the …

October 3, 2013 Accountants

Hefty Audit Malpractice Case Dismissed due to Lack of Reliance

It is inevitable that blame will be cast on the auditor: when an investment tanks, when embezzlement is discovered, when stocks take a plunge. It is the independent auditor that concluded that the financial statements were presented fairly and therefore the auditor should have uncovered the ______________. Many plaintiffs follow this script. As a result, the defending auditor is left to argue that he is not responsible for the intentional acts of others or unforeseen changes in the underlying client’s business. This defense requires a …

May 6, 2013 Insurance Products

Insurance Blunder Costs Newest Philadelphia Eagles’ QB $11.5 Million

Quarterback Matt Barkley was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 98^th pick in the 2013 NFL draft. He was the fourth quarterback selected and was the first selection in the fourth round. History suggests that he will sign a four-year contract with the Eagles worth about $2.5 million. Sure, that’s a lot of dough, but not nearly what Barkley would have earned had he foregone his senior season at USC and entered the NFL draft in 2012. As a projected top-10 pick …