The missed filing
A statute of limitations passes on a client's claim.
Malpractice coverage can pay for your defense and covered damages.
Professional & Technology Liability
Lawyers professional liability, from a former attorney.
Lawyers professional liability, or legal malpractice insurance, protects attorneys and firms against claims that an error, omission or missed deadline harmed a client.
What lawyers professional liability covers.
Our principal practiced law, then spent years as a senior account executive for AmLaw 200 firms. Solo practitioners, boutiques and mid-sized firms get the same understanding of how these policies are written, and how they respond when a claim is made.
- Malpractice claimsDefense and damages for alleged errors, omissions and missed deadlines in legal services.
- Prior actsWork performed before the policy began, back to your retroactive date.
- Disciplinary defenseLegal costs for bar complaints and disciplinary proceedings, often as a supplementary benefit.
- Extended reportingTail options for retiring attorneys and dissolving firms.
- Lateral hiresCoverage for new attorneys' prior work, when arranged with the carrier.
What it typically doesn’t cover
- Wire fraud from trust accountsFunds-transfer and social engineering losses typically need cyber and crime coverage. Cyber Liability Insurance
- Employment claims from firm staffNeed employment practices liability. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
- Business pursuits outside legal servicesActivities like serving as an officer of a client company may be excluded.
- Gaps when changing carriersLosing your retroactive date can leave past work uncovered.
Coverage descriptions are general summaries. Actual coverage is governed by the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. Availability varies by state and carrier.
Real-world examples
What a claim can look like.
Claims rarely look dramatic at the start. They usually begin with an ordinary day, an email or a phone call.
The conflict
A former client alleges a conflict of interest after a transaction closes.
The policy can defend the firm and the attorneys involved.
The diverted wire
Closing funds are wired to a fraudster after a spoofed email.
Usually excluded from malpractice. This needs cyber and crime coverage.
Examples are illustrative. Whether a claim is covered depends on the facts and the terms, conditions and exclusions of your policy.
Industry guide
Law FirmsMalpractice and missed-deadline claims and trust-account fraud and wire diversion.Often paired with
Cyber Liability InsuranceFinancial protection against data breaches, ransomware, network security incidents and other cyber-related exposures.Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)Coverage for claims involving harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination and other employment-related practices.Professional Liability / E&O InsuranceClaims alleging that your professional advice, services or work caused a financial loss.Business Owner's Policy (BOP)Liability, property and business income coverage combined into one policy.Questions
Common questions about lawyers professional liability, answered.
Is malpractice insurance required for attorneys?
Oregon and Idaho require it for lawyers in private practice. Many other states require lawyers to disclose whether they carry it, either to the bar or directly to clients. Check your state's current rules.
What happens to my coverage if I retire or switch firms?
Legal malpractice policies are claims-made, so you'll want an extended reporting period (tail) or continuous coverage that includes your prior acts. We plan the transition so past work stays protected.
Does malpractice insurance cover wire fraud from a trust account?
Usually not. Funds-transfer fraud and social engineering losses typically need cyber and crime coverage. We check this for every firm we work with.
How much does lawyers professional liability cost?
Legal malpractice premiums are driven by practice areas, the number of attorneys, claims history, the limits and deductible you choose, how defense costs are structured, and your firm's risk management practices. We compare options across our carrier relationships so you see real prices for your business, not an average.
Talk to an advisor
Let's get this fitted properly.
Tell us about your business. A principal will review your needs, shop the market and walk you through the options in plain English.