Missed deadlines
Allegations involving filing dates, statutes of limitation, or procedural errors can create significant defense costs.
Lawyers professional liability
Protect the judgment behind your practice.
Professional liability guidance for California solo attorneys and law firms reviewing legal malpractice coverage, prior acts, policy limits, or tail options.
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Solo attorneys and firms
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Claims-made considerations
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Prior acts and tail options
Common exposures
Even careful professionals can face a claim.
Conflicts of interest
Past relationships, lateral hires, and complex representations can create conflicts or alleged conflicts.
Advice and drafting
A client may allege that advice, negotiation, drafting, or an omitted action caused financial harm.
Changing firms
Firm transitions can raise important questions about prior work, retroactive dates, and reporting responsibilities.
Coverage conversation
Look beyond the premium.
Practice areas
The type and mix of legal work can materially affect carrier appetite, underwriting questions, and pricing.
Defense and limits
Ask whether defense costs reduce the policy limit and how deductibles apply to covered defense expenses.
Prior acts continuity
Review the retroactive date carefully before changing carriers or restructuring a practice.
Extended reporting
Tail options can matter when retiring, closing a practice, or moving into a role covered elsewhere.
A straightforward process
Start with the essentials.
Tell Gagan about your work
Share your profession, practice or business, and renewal timing—without including confidential client or claim details.
Discuss the coverage need
Review the services you provide, current insurance, desired limits, and any timing considerations.
Move to the licensed market
When appropriate and with your permission, the request can be referred to a licensed broker or agency able to pursue coverage options.
Frequently asked questions
Useful answers before you begin.
What is lawyers professional liability insurance?
Often called legal malpractice insurance, it is designed to address covered claims alleging that professional legal services caused a client financial harm. Actual coverage depends on the policy terms and exclusions.
Why does the retroactive date matter?
A retroactive date can determine whether earlier professional work is eligible for coverage when a claim is later made and reported. Continuity should be reviewed before a carrier change.
What is tail coverage?
An extended reporting period may allow certain claims to be reported after a claims-made policy ends, subject to policy terms. It is often considered when an attorney retires or closes a practice.