Usually, a client’s motivation to sue a lawyer is based on distrust or disregard. These can arise from a blatant disregard of a client’s material instructions, unreasonable billing, violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, or attempting to conceal mistakes. An honest error in judgment – even if it falls below the standard of care – is rarely the impetus for a client to sue a lawyer.
This article will address how a consumer attorney should evaluate whether to take a legal malpractice case, the basic law surrounding litigation of the case, and the importance of consumer attorneys in rebuilding confidence in our profession through proper communication with the client.