The 2026 16th Annual Lawyers’ Professional Liability Claims Survey shows a clear increase in both the frequency and severity of malpractice claims. The results point to a tougher risk climate for law firms in New York and nationwide. This also reflects a new normal...
When you decide to part ways with your attorney in New York, the transition involves far more than simply finding new representation. You usually need to sign a “consent to change attorney” form to switch lawyers. This step has rules you need to closely follow to...
Learning that your case settled without your knowledge can feel like a betrayal. You trusted your attorney to guide you, not to decide for you. If this happened to you in New York, you may have grounds for a legal malpractice claim. Settlement is always your decision...
Most people expect their attorney to protect their interests and help them avoid costly mistakes. However, not every attorney error leads to a successful legal malpractice claim in New York. To move a case forward, you generally need to show that the mistake caused...
When lawyers are negligent when representing their clients or violate their duty, those affected by their professional failure may want to take legal action against them. A legal malpractice lawsuit allows those harmed by a lawyer’s failure to effectively represent...
Legal work can require hours upon hours of research. Attorneys and their aides scour through previous legal cases, statutes and applicable regulations to find the information needed to help their client win their case. Over the years, various tools have emerged to...
A real estate closing in New York may seem routine. You review the contract and sign the papers while your attorney handles the legal steps. Later, a lien may appear, or a contract term may limit your options. When that happens, you may begin to wonder whether...
The short answer is: not necessarily. Without a doubt, it is a serious error. But in the eyes of the law, a mistake does not always mean that malpractice is involved. To recover damages, a plaintiff must prove that the error actually changed the outcome of their life....
Clients place their trust in lawyers not only to handle their cases competently, but also to bill fairly and honestly for the work performed. When that trust is broken as a result of legal billing hours fraud, the financial and emotional impact on affected clients can...
Client consent is a crucial part of preventing legal malpractice. Your lawyer should always act with your informed approval before making important decisions. If they move forward without your consent in situations requiring them, they could be violating their...