People in California rely on attorneys to follow certain standards of care when representing them. Attorneys who fall short of the standards of care established for their practice areas might commit professional malpractice. To prove malpractice, a plaintiff needs...
High-profile Hollywood malpractice claim settled
A major lawsuit between Hollywood celebrity Johnny Depp and his former legal representation was settled in California for an undisclosed amount. Depp had earlier sued his lawyers for $50 million, claiming legal malpractice. The case against the law firm emerged from...
Hollywood producer files legal malpractice lawsuit
The State Bar of California's Rule 1.7, which is often referred to as the "Hot Potato Rule," states that attorneys in the Golden State are not permitted to represent a client if that representation would adversely affect another client unless the affected client gives...
Investment firm bankruptcy returns to malpractice issue
The trustee for a defunct investment firm in California is accusing a law firm, O'Melveny and Myers, of legal malpractice. The trustee is urging a judge to set aside an arbitration award that found that the firm did not commit malpractice while it represented the...
Understanding the foundation of a legal malpractice lawsuit
When a California resident hires an attorney, professional behavior is expected. Mistakes happen, but when those mistakes are egregious enough, it could be the basis for a legal malpractice lawsuit. When confronted with legal mistakes, it is important to know what is...
When is an attorney disbarred?
Whether an attorney has been cited for legal malpractice or has been reprimanded for committing a crime, he or she runs the risk of losing their license to practice law. When attorneys pass the state bar exam, they are able to practice law in that state. They also...
Common legal malpractice claims
People make mistakes all the time. But, when you hire a licensed professional such as a lawyer, you expect them to know the details and to guide you through the process. When a mistake is made, the damages can be amplified for you and the lawyer.Before going any...
What is legal malpractice?
Most of us have heard of medical malpractice- when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care that a reasonable person would expect to receive. But not all of us understand what legal practice entails. 5 indications of legal malpractice When you hire an...
When does the legal malpractice statute of limitations begin?
When you file a civil lawsuit, such as for legal malpractice, the time you have in which to act is not indefinite. The law calls this limited timeframe a statute of limitations. Its purpose is to protect the rights of defendants: in this case, your former...