Common QuestionsLawyers Professional Liability — FAQ
Common questions about malpractice insurance for attorneys, solo practitioners, and law firms.
What is Lawyers Professional Liability insurance?
Lawyers Professional Liability (LPL) insurance — also called legal malpractice insurance — protects attorneys against claims that a mistake, omission, or act of negligence in providing legal services caused financial harm to a client. It covers your legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments, including situations where a claim is groundless.
Is malpractice insurance required for attorneys in California?
California does not currently mandate malpractice insurance for attorneys, but the State Bar requires lawyers to disclose to clients whether they carry coverage. Many clients — especially business clients and corporations — will refuse to hire an attorney who is uninsured. Carrying coverage is considered a professional standard and strongly recommended for any practicing attorney.
What does Lawyers Professional Liability insurance cover?
Coverage typically includes: negligent acts, errors, or omissions in legal services you provide; missed deadlines or statute of limitations errors; failure to file documents correctly; conflicts of interest claims; inadequate legal advice; defense costs even for frivolous claims; and disciplinary proceedings defense (available as an add-on with some carriers).
What is NOT covered by a typical LPL policy?
Most policies exclude: intentional wrongdoing or fraud; criminal acts; bodily injury or property damage (covered by general liability); fee disputes where you're the defendant (though some policies include this); and claims arising from business activities unrelated to the practice of law. Reading your policy exclusions carefully — or having PRIA walk you through them — is essential.
How does claims-made coverage work for attorneys?
Most LPL policies are written on a claims-made basis, meaning the policy in force when a claim is reported — not when the alleged error occurred — responds to the claim. This is why prior acts coverage (retroactive date) and tail coverage (extended reporting period) matter. When switching carriers, PRIA ensures there are no gaps in your retroactive date so past work remains protected.
What is tail coverage and do I need it?
Tail coverage (Extended Reporting Period) allows you to report claims after your policy has ended — for example, when you retire, close your practice, or join a firm with its own policy. Since malpractice claims can surface years after the work was done, tail coverage is critical for attorneys who are discontinuing their individual coverage. PRIA can quote tail options from your current carrier or alternatives.
How are LPL premiums calculated?
Key rating factors include: your area(s) of practice, years of experience, annual revenue or number of attorneys, claims history, coverage limits and deductible selected, and state of practice. High-risk practice areas such as real estate, securities, and family law typically carry higher premiums than lower-risk areas. PRIA shops multiple A-rated carriers to find the most competitive rate for your specific profile.
How do I get a Lawyers Professional Liability quote from PRIA?
Use our quick online quote form or call (888) 998-PRIA. We'll ask about your practice areas, firm size, and coverage needs, then present competitive quotes from multiple A-rated carriers — including Attorney Protective, a Berkshire Hathaway company. There's no obligation and no cost to compare.
