Choosing when and how to grow a team is a critical business decision for legal entrepreneurs expanding an estate planning practice. Team members are typically the highest budget line item and the biggest investment attorneys make in their practice. They are also the biggest risk, often resulting in lost of time, prospects, and business growth if not selected and nurtured positively.

Aggrieved parties have long been able to sue in federal court for copyright, patent, and trademark violations. Surprisingly, no corresponding private cause of action has existed for trade secret theft. Instead, trade secret cases were the domain of state courts.

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Estate planning can involve many variables and can be fraught with potential ethical pitfalls and malpractice issues. It’s especially important for new estate planning attorneys to be aware of these risks and how to avoid them. With the proper precautions, you can prevent exposing yourself to severe case mismanagement consequences, including suspension or disbarment, civil action, and criminal charges.