News & Updates
Congratulations to Kentucky’s Newest Attorneys!
LMICK would like to congratulate Kentucky’s (soon to be) newest attorneys! The swearing in ceremony is set for May 1, 2023 in Frankfort. If you have a newly admitted attorney joining your practice, remember to add them to your policy by filling out the form on our website.
BEWARE: NKBA Warns of Several Hacking Attempts Via Dropbox Links
On April 12th, the Northern Kentucky Bar Association alerted its members to use caution when opening Dropbox links. While the emails seem legitimate, Dropbox accounts have been hacked and bad actors are sharing corrupted links. A few best practice tips:
- Discuss with your firm that Dropbox or other similar links must not be opened unless the recipient can confirm the legitimacy of the email. If you are not expecting a document—do not open and reach out to the sender via phone to confirm.
- If your firm utilizes Dropbox or similar program for file sharing, consider a policy of always sending a separate message from your email (not through the program) to notify the recipient that you are sending a document share link.
If your firm has been hacked, immediately reach out to LMICK as well as any other carrier providing cyber insurance coverage. You may have requirements under statute (including KRS 365.732) and/or ethical rules to notify clients of the breach and your carriers can help you walk through these processes.
For a refresher on your ethical duties related to cyber security, read KBA Formal Ethics Opinion E-446. Also, your LMICK policy includes access to several cyber security risk management resources to help your firm implement good security practices. Detailed log-in information is inside your LMICK Policy Folder. Contact
Practice Tips
Who’s There? Be Aware of Smart Devices When Discussing Client Information
LMICK’s Courtney Risk shares this after her recent travels:
I have resisted increasing my home’s IQ. I do have a smart phone and stay pretty diligent about disabling app access to my microphone and camera. However, I recently stayed in a rental while traveling that was smart—really smart—down to the color changing, motion sensor night lights. First, I now understand the appeal to smart home systems after dialing back the overhead lights to “candlelight” as I checked emails early in the morning. (No need for harsh light before 6:00 am!) Second, it was a good reminder to be aware of devices in any space where you discuss client information. Hybrid or remote work has a lot of benefits, including a change of scenery from time to time. However, when working in different spaces, remember to take a moment to ensure the space is secure. Check out this article for an overview of the ethical issues with smart devices.
Needy Client or Boundary Setting Fail? Hitting the Reset Button During Representation
Most lawyers have experienced at least one client that called or emailed constantly. Often, the lawyer has failed to set good boundaries or expectations around communication at the beginning of the representation. This can become frustrating for both the lawyer and the client and lead to an unintentional souring of the relationship—and possible complaints or bad reviews. In this article, the ABA explores the common causes and provides great tips for re-setting communication expectations during the representation. For a proactive solution, check out LMICK’s updated template engagement letters for suggestions about how to address communication expectations from day one.
Wellness Corner
Managers Have More Impact on Employees’ Mental Health Than Their Therapist
A new study on mental health in the workforce “surveyed 3,400 people across 10 countries to spotlight the critical role our jobs, leadership, and, most of all, our managers play in supporting mental health in and outside work.” The results were striking: 69% of people stated their managers had the greatest impact on their mental health. This was more than the impact of their therapist or doctor. The study is a good reminder to pause and reflect on what type of manager or supervisor we are and how it is impacting those that report to us. In this article from Forbes, Tracy Bowers, PhD, takes a look at how managers can lead for wellbeing which can pay dividends in improved mental health and better productivity.
Viral AmLaw 20 Presentation Slide Highlights Struggle for Healthy Work Culture
Paul Hastings, an AmLaw 20 firm, went viral for the wrong reasons when a presentation slide for associates went viral. Among the guidelines were directives to be available 24/7 and that the client is always right. LMICK’s Courtney Risk shared her thoughts on the ethical issues raised by the post—including the connection between competence and wellness. To view her LinkedIn post, click here.
Upcoming Events
Kentucky Justice Association: Ethics & Day at the Races
April 21, 2023
2.5 hours of CLE (2 ethics hours)
Join LMICK’s Courtney Risk at the Kentucky Justice Association’s popular ethics program and racing at Keeneland. The day begins with CLE programing at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort followed by Keeneland races in the afternoon. Click here for more information and to register!
Free Ethics CLE:
Bar Discipline 101: The Dos and Don’ts of Responding to a Bar Complaint
May 23, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST
1.0 hour of Kentucky CLE Ethics credit
For our second quarter CLE, we are excited to welcome Charles “Buzz” English, Partner at English Lucas Priest & Owsley, LLP in Bowling Green and LMICK Board Member. Buzz has extensive experience representing lawyers who are navigating disciplinary issues and will provide attendees practical tips for navigating the process.
Lawyers that receive a bar complaint experience a wide variety of emotions including fear, panic, stress, and anger. This session will provide lawyers with an overview of the disciplinary process, including the 2022 updates to the rules governing same. It will also address the need to obtain counsel so lawyers can respond rationally and effectively to a charge of attorney misconduct. Attendees will be better prepared for if—or when—they receive a bar complaint. Click here to register, today!
We look forward to seeing you!
LMICK is proud to support the organizations that support you and your work! We will be out and about this fall, leading CLEs and tabling events. We hope you can join us at one of these currently scheduled events (and make sure to come say hello)!
| Apr 19-20: | University of Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Institute, Lexington |
| Apr 21: | Kentucky Justice Association Ethics Day, Frankfort/Lexington |
| Apr 26: | KBA/AAML Annual Family Law Conference, Louisville |
| Apr 27-30: | National Bar Association Midyear Conference, Louisville |
| May 1: | Fayette Co. Bar Association Law Day Luncheon, Lexington Northern Kentucky Bar Association Law Day Event, Covington New Lawyer Swearing In Ceremony, Frankfort |
| May 12: | Municipal Attorneys Association of Kentucky Seminar, Elizabethtown |
| May 18-19: | Bowling Green Warren Co. Bar Association CLE Event |
| May 23: | LMICK Second Quarter CLE, virtual Bar Discipline 101: The Dos and Don’ts of Responding to a Bar Complaint |
We want to hear from you! Have a CLE topic you would like to see? Send suggestions to
Need a CLE Speaker? We are scheduling ethics CLEs for and dates through June 2023 are almost gone! We would love to speak to your group! You can check out our updated list of available topics and request to schedule, here.