SCIP Has a Lawyer On Call

LegaLine is the AIA Trust Legal Information Service, ideal for small firms without in-house counsel or an attorney on retainer. A subscription service, LegaLine enables subscribers to discuss matters affecting risk management and their architectural practice with architects who are also lawyers and who are familiar with current practice issues.

While LegaLine does not act as a firm’s attorney, it does provide legal information in response to practice-related questions and problems. In specific situations, LegaLine may help determine whether to hire a lawyer. Ultimately, the goal is to help small firms manage their risks, improve their practices, and prevent disputes and lawsuits.

Sole practitioners and small firms don’t have the luxury of in-house counsel or retained attorneys, yet they confront many legal challenges such as negotiating and interpreting contracts and handling disputes with clients and contractors.

In addition, LegaLine can give insights on collecting overdue or disputed fees, options when hiring or firing an employee, incorporating one’s practice, transferring firm ownership, and structuring profitable joint ventures. It’s important for specifiers to recognize the traps and pitfalls in their practice to avoid legal difficulties – and focus on the business of specifications consulting.

SCIP members in the United States receive prompt responses by telephone to practice-related legal questions all year long – and learn what to do to help prevent costly and destructive legal problems. LegaLine inquiries are answered by Charles R. Heuer, FAIA, Esq., or a member of his team. Mr. Heuer is an architect, attorney, professional liability consultant, and mediator. As proof of value, several SCIP members have their own subscription to LegaLine!

As a member benefit, SCIP members are entitled to two free calls to LegaLine, (800)688-9780, each year.