WARREN, NJ, April 4, 2007-"The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies was recently the subject of some confusing media reports about the company's willingness
to insure blogs. As a leading insurer of law firms across the country, we make it a priority to be on top of emerging trends
that affect law firms," said James L. Rhyner, worldwide lawyers professional manager for Chubb Specialty Insurance. "Today,
more and more law firms are establishing blogs. Chubb does insure this new form of communication-and will continue to do
so within select parameters."
Depending on the way law firms use technology, a blog can create a minimal to significant level of added risk. "In that regard,
managing risk associated with a blog is an appropriate part of the underwriting function-and Chubb takes its underwriting
responsibilities seriously," said Rhyner.
Chubb has found that law firm blogs fall into two general classes: informational and advisory.
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An informational blog presents information or offers a forum for discussing issues in a neutral, unbiased way. This type of blog offers information
similar to that found in an article or presented by an individual in a seminar-informational blogs do not provide advice to
a specific individual on a unique matter. Typically, these blogs pose a minimal level of risk from Chubb's underwriting perspective.
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In an advisory blog, however, a law firm offers advice. By its nature, then, it increases the risk of a malpractice lawsuit against the
firm. An advisory blog can potentially establish an attorney-client relationship, possibly bypassing such safeguards as determining
the suitability of a potential client and checking for possible conflicts of interest. As always, Chubb's underwriters will
evaluate each submission on its own merits.
Chubb provides insurance coverage for 90% of the law firms listed in The American Lawyer's AM Law 200. It also offers brokers and law firm customers free loss management guidance, including A Lawyer's Guide to Managing E-Lawyering Risks and Managing Legal Malpractice.
The member insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies form a multi-billion dollar organization providing property
and casualty insurance for personal and commercial customers worldwide through 8,500 independent agents and brokers. Chubb's
global network includes branches and affiliates throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia.
