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In a time when layoffs and foreclosures are widespread, your firm may be forced to manage vacant real estate. The insurance risks and liabilities associated with owning vacant property can be extensive, and to ensure you are adequately protected, it is important to know these risks. In addition to purchasing comprehensive insurance coverage, there are numerous preventive strategies for maintaining vacant properties to reduce risk and liability.

Nonprofit organizations provide essential social services that benefit communities and their members. These organizations cannot survive without a solid volunteer Board of Directors assigned to elect officers, adopt policies and make major financial decisions for the organization. Although the members of the board are volunteers, there is a certain amount of risk involved in holding one of these positions. Specifically, even when acting in good faith, board members are subject to personal liability, which may affect their personal financial status because of their business decisions.

Among its many consequences, the diffusion of new forms of electronic communication has given bullies new means for ridicule, harassment and belittlement. Being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful material or engaging in other forms of social aggression online or using other technology, also known as cyberbullying, is a serious concern for school administrators. While school officials must proactively protect students and prevent disruptions, they are also legally obligated to respect students’ right to free speech. Effectively maintaining this balance requires careful consideration of each specific case and cooperation with legal counsel. However, several general considerations apply.

Captive insurance companies, which are established to finance the risk of a parent group or groups and sometimes these groups’ customers, can provide advantages in risk management, insurance savings, wealth transfer and taxes. They are a form of alternative risk transfer used by major corporations, nonprofit organizations and medium-sized businesses.