The Expense Of Not Supervising Employees

Here's a story about a Richmond Virginia lawyer reprimanded for not supervising his now convicved felon former administrative assistant. He's also paying pack the $290,000 of client funds she stole.

Florida has a comparable rule - Rule 4-5.3 RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING NONLAWYER ASSISTANTS

In sum, there's two parts of this rule to remember when it comes to staff: "a lawyer having direct supervisory authority over the nonlawyer shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the person’s conduct is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer," and "although paralegals or legal assistants may perform the duties delegated to them by the lawyer without the presence or active involvement of the lawyer, the lawyer shall review and be responsible for the work product of the paralegals or legal assistants."

Located in Miami, Florida, Brian Tannebaum practices Bar Admission and Discipline and Criminal Defense. Read his free ebook The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer. Please visit www.tannebaumweiss.com