Florida Legal Malpractice and Attorney Ethics.

• Author: Jacobowitz, Jan L.
• Position: Book review

Florida Legal Malpractice and

Attorney Ethics

By Warren R. Trazenfeld, Timothy P.

Chinaris & Robert M. Jarvis

At first blush, it may appear that Florida Legal Malpractice and Attorney Ethics is wrapped in seasonal red because it became available just in time for the holidays; however, upon closer examination the red cover becomes a metaphor for a legal ethics and malpractice hotline. The authors, Warren R. Trazenfeld, Timothy P. Chinaris, and Robert M. Jarvis, combine their considerable academic knowledge and practical experience to create a publication that provides "everything you ever might (or should) want to know" about practicing law in Florida within ethical boundaries and mindful of malpractice exposure.

The book is divided into two parts: legal malpractice comprises the first 13 chapters and attorney ethics is covered in chapters 14 to 26. Designed for use as a quick resource or a comprehensive textbook, the chapters clearly divide the subject matter, concisely describe the area of law, and provide recent case law and current rules in both the main text and in the restrained use of relevant footnotes.

Beyond just the concise summary of the law, the malpractice section also provides sample documents, such as engagement letters, pleadings, and discovery requests. Additionally, it provides best practices, tips on malpractice insurance, and general advice on avoiding malpractice liability.

The ethics section not only provides current interpretation in areas such as attorney advertising and use of technology, but...