Welcome to the first electronic issue of The Solicitor. In the Spring 1998 issue Legal Mutual introduced a new look for The Solicitor, and, among other things, announced continued automation enhancements here at Legal Mutual to improve service. Now it's the fall of 2002, and Legal Mutual is doing it again - some things just never change!

Legal Mutual continually looks for ways to improve, and takes great pride in the Company's motto…OUTSHINING THE COMPETITION!

The Solicitor is now being published in electronic e-mail format only. While electronic delivery of The Solicitor saves money in printing and postage, it also saves a considerable amount of paper, and allows much faster and more accurate delivery. Following distribution, each electronic issue of The Solicitor will be archived on the Company's web site at www.legalmutual.com, and each significant risk management article will be available on the Legal Mutual web site in the Customer Service-Risk Management Information section.

For distribution of this first issue, e-mail addresses were downloaded from the policyholder firms and producers files. Initially, only one copy is being distributed to each law firm and each producer. To obtain a direct subscription to future quarterly issues for each employee in the firm or agency, simply go to www.legalmutual.com and submit the individual's e-mail address in the area provided on the Welcome Page. If you received this issue of The Solicitor and don't want to receive future issues, there is an "un-subscribe" feature at the bottom of this issue that you can submit to delete your e-mail address from the Company's subscription database. Legal Mutual respects your right to privacy.

Legal Mutual hopes you enjoy this new look and format of The Solicitor, but most of all, that you find the information provided to be of benefit. Legal Mutual is always looking for ways to improve, and your opinion regarding this new approach to distribution of The Solicitor would be appreciated. Please e-mail your opinion to legal@legalmutual.com.

REVISIONS TO TITLE 16, CHAPTER 700, OF THE MARYLAND RULES:
THE ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCESS MAY BE FASTER, BUT IS IT BETTER?
By Kathleen H. Meredith, Esquire, Iliff & Meredith, P.C.
Click on the article title above to read this article.

NEW LEGAL MUTUAL WEB SITE -
MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE!
By Walter E. Stewart, Jr.,
Legal Mutual Liability Insurance Society of Maryland

On Thursday, July 25, 2002, Legal Mutual unveiled a totally new web site. If you haven't seen it yet, please visit www.legalmutual.com. While the web site has been given an all new look, it is far more than just a pretty face. New technology was utilized vis-à-vis Macromedia Flash Player ® and Adobe Acrobat Reader ® to provide you with the best possible appearance and service currently available. You may download both special features at no charge directly from the Welcome Page of the web site.

Many of the new features are:
· Legal Mutual's financial ratings have been posted right on the Welcome Page, and a new Financial Rating section has been added to the "About Us" section;

· The Quick Quote function has an improved layout and provides a much faster turnaround time;

· Past Annual Reports (starting with the last two) will now be available online, and can be viewed or printed directly from the web site;

· All Legal Mutual insurance applications may be viewed or printed directly from the Customer Service section of the web site;

· All Legal Mutual LPL forms are available for review, also from the Customer Service section of the web site;

· The Quick Quote FAX Form can now be printed directly from the site for those who would rather complete it manually and fax it, rather than using the electronic Quick Quote feature;

· Both the "About Us" and "Contact Us" sections were expanded to give you even more information about Legal Mutual;

· A much improved Calendar of Events has been added. All special dates and office closings have already been included. If you have a special event you would like posted in the Calendar of Events, please contact us at legal@legalmutual.com;

· Electronic advertising capability for producers and vendors has been added, and new ads are forthcoming. Check this section frequently under "Resources." To place an ad, please call 410-296-4530.

· The e-mail function and database utilized to distribute this electronic copy of The Solicitor were added along with the un-subscribe support function to protect your privacy;

· The new web site privacy statement has been posted on the Welcome Page; and

· A new Directors and Officers section was added for your quick reference.

There are numerous improvements, updates and revisions already in the planning stages. The Legal Mutual web site is truly a work in progress, so please check www.legalmutual.com frequently to take full advantage of the information provided. Legal Mutual is very proud of its web site, and appreciates your input as to the services you feel are most useful. Please send your "hot tips" and constructive criticism to legal@legalmutual.com.

2002 Award Winner - Herbert J. Belgrad, Esquire

Herb is a partner at the law firm of Tydings & Rosenberg, LLP, and is a member of the Legal Mutual Board of Directors.

2001 Award Winner - Louise Michaux Gonzales, Esquire

Louise is a partner at the law firm Hylton & Gonzales, and is a member of the Legal Mutual Board of Directors.

The Daily Record Maryland Leadership In Law Awards Program

Originating in 2001, The Daily Record Maryland Leadership In Law awards program recognizes up to 25 individuals each year for their outstanding contribution to Maryland and its legal community. Legal Mutual is proud to be a Bronze Sponsor of this awards program, and offers its congratulations to all the winners of this prestigious award.

Join The Daily Record, Legal Mutual and the other sponsors of this program in honoring these outstanding members of the legal profession, and to recognize the Top Leadership in Law 2002 Award winner. The top award will be presented by the Honorable Robert M. Bell. An awards luncheon will be held on Friday, November 22, 2002, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD. The cost is $40.00 per person. For tickets or more information call (410) 752-3849, or order online at www.leadershipinlaw.com.

For a complete list of the award winners over the first two years of the program, go to www.legalmutual.com and click on the Maryland Leadership In Law logo on the welcome page. For the individual profiles on Herb Belgrad and Louise Gonzales, go the Directors & Officers section of the web site. Click on the award link immediately beneath their name to review their profile.

REAL ESTATE CLAIMS CONTINUE TO TROUBLE LAWYERS
By Sally E. Anderson, Director of Risk Management and Claims,
Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company (WILMIC)

Click on the article title above to read this article.

A Few Simple Risk Management Tips
By Mary C. Nevius, Esquire, Legal Mutual Liability Insurance Society of Maryland

Click on the article title above to read this article.

Legal Mutual recently unveiled its new "Legal Mutual Partnership Program" created for producers, vendors and service providers, yet it provides benefits to Legal Mutual policyholders as well.

• August 1, 2002 - Phase I - The program began with an offering to Legal Mutual producers of an inexpensive advertising opportunity on Legal Mutual's web site. Four different plans were offered, and the first several ads are already active on our web site. Go to the "Resources" section of the web site under "Insurance Brokers" to see the first few ads that have been activated to date.
• August 8, 2002 - Phase IA - The program was expanded with a similar offer to Legal Mutual vendors and service providers. (Watch for future announcements regarding this feature.) This area is under construction, but will be listed in the "Resources" section under "Vendors" as soon as it's ready to go.
• August 16, 2002 - Phase II - The announcement was made that Legal Mutual would put all applications and sample coverage forms in the Customer Service section of its web site. This feature, utilizing the Adobe Acrobat Reader ".pdf" format includes the ability to both view and print these applications and forms directly from the Legal Mutual web site. No more waiting for someone to mail or fax you an application, just print the one you need right from the comfort of your own computer! Have a question about your coverage, but can't find your policy? Just view the sample coverage forms online at our web site. The Quick Quote FAX Form was the first form activated, and the rest followed shortly thereafter.

Inquiries regarding the advertising opportunities announced in Phase I and Phase IA should be directed to Walt Stewart at wstewart@legalmutual.com.

Additional phases of this new program will be announced in coming months. Sorry no hints at this time, so please stay tuned...