Negligence: Failing to meet professional standards or deadlines, including not conducting proper legal research, missing filing deadlines, failing to advise clients appropriately, giving incorrect or incomplete legal advice, and lacking due diligence in reviewing legal documents or contracts.

Conflict of Interest: Representing clients with conflicting interests, such as multiple clients with adverse positions or personal interests that interfere with professional duties, and failure to disclose conflicts or obtain proper consent from all affected parties.

Breach of Confidentiality: Disclosing client confidence or sensitive information without proper authorization and failing to protect client information, especially in the digital age.

Failure to Supervise: Failure to properly supervise associates, paralegals, or other employees leads to errors or omissions and inadequate oversight of subordinates’ work, especially in cases involving complex legal issues.

Fraud or Misrepresentation: Making false representations or failing to disclose material facts that could influence a client’s decision or the case outcome and engaging in fraudulent conduct or misusing client funds.

Incompetence: Taking on cases outside one’s expertise or failing to provide competent legal representation and not staying updated on changes in law or legal procedures relevant to a case.

Client Relations and Communication: Poor communication with clients leads to misunderstandings, dissatisfaction, or loss of trust, as well as failure to provide updates, manage client expectations, or adequately explain legal terms or processes.

Failure to File or Meet Deadlines: Missed filing deadlines, court dates, or failure to comply with procedural requirements can lead to negligence and malpractice claims. In cases involving statutes of limitations, missing deadlines can be particularly problematic.

Litigation Strategy and Decision-making: Poor strategic decisions in litigation include taking unwarranted risks, failing to pursue meritorious claims, and misjudging the likelihood of success or settlement opportunities.

Client Mismanagement: Failing to manage the client’s legal affairs organizationally, resulting in economic loss, penalties, or legal consequences.

Conflict with Third Parties (e.g., opposing counsel, courts): Claims may arise from mishandling interactions with third parties, such as opposing counsel or the courts, which may harm a client’s interests.

Alleged Violation of Ethical Standards: Claims arising from perceived violations of the professional code of ethics, such as misconduct, dishonesty, or breaches of fiduciary duties.

The above exposures highlight the complex nature of legal work and the importance of maintaining high professional standards, staying informed about legal developments, and ensuring effective client communication and management. Legal malpractice claims can arise from minor oversights, so adequate professional liability coverage is crucial for all practicing attorneys.