## **Learning Outcomes**

After reading this article, you will be able to identify when a lawyer may be civilly liable to a client, distinguish professional discipline from malpractice, and apply the elements of legal malpractice. You will also understand vicarious liability, defenses, and risk management practices relevant to MPRE questions on civil liability to clients.

## **MPRE Syllabus**

For the MPRE, you are required to understand the principles governing a lawyer’s civil liability to clients, including malpractice and related risk management. This article covers the following syllabus points:

- Recognize the difference between professional discipline and civil malpractice liability.
- Identify the elements of a legal malpractice claim.
- Understand vicarious liability of law firms and partners for malpractice.
- Apply rules regarding limiting malpractice liability and settling malpractice claims.
- Recognize risk management strategies, including insurance and supervision.
- Distinguish civil liability to clients from liability to non-clients.

## **Test Your Knowledge**

_Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision._

1. Which of the following is NOT required to establish a claim for legal malpractice based on negligence?
   a) Duty of care  
   b) Breach of duty  
   c) Actual damages  
   d) Lawyer’s intent to harm the client

2. A law firm partner is sued for malpractice arising from an associate’s negligent handling of a client’s case. Under what theory may the partner be liable?
   a) Only if the partner personally worked on the case  
   b) Vicarious liability as a partner in a general partnership  
   c) Only if the partner ratified the associate’s conduct  
    d) Only if the client sues the associate first

3. May a lawyer prospectively limit malpractice liability in a retainer agreement with a client?
   a) Yes, if the client is independently represented in making the agreement  
   b) Yes, if the client consents orally  
   c) No, under any circumstances  
   d) Yes, if the lawyer believes the client understands the risks

4. Which is true regarding a lawyer’s duty to settle a malpractice claim with a client?
   a) The lawyer may settle without advising the client to seek independent counsel  
   b) The lawyer must advise the client in writing of the desirability of seeking independent legal advice  
   c) The lawyer may never settle a malpractice claim  
   d) The lawyer must obtain court approval for any settlement

## **Introduction**

Lawyers are not only subject to professional discipline for violating ethical rules, but may also face civil liability to clients for malpractice and related claims. Understanding the distinction between disciplinary action and civil liability, as well as the elements and defenses of malpractice, is essential for the MPRE. This article explains when a lawyer may be liable to a client, the requirements for a malpractice claim, vicarious liability, and risk management practices.

> **Key Term: Malpractice**  
> A civil claim against a lawyer by a client (or, in some cases, a non-client) for damages resulting from the lawyer’s breach of duty, typically based on negligence, breach of contract, or breach of fiduciary duty.

### Professional Discipline vs. Civil Malpractice

A lawyer who violates the rules of professional conduct may be subject to discipline by the appropriate authority, such as censure, suspension, or disbarment. However, professional discipline does not require proof that the client suffered harm. In contrast, civil liability for malpractice is a separate matter, requiring the client to prove actual loss caused by the lawyer’s conduct.

> **Key Term: Professional Discipline**  
> Sanctions imposed by a regulatory authority on a lawyer for violating ethical rules, regardless of whether the client suffered harm.

### Elements of Legal Malpractice

To prevail in a malpractice action based on negligence, a client must prove:

1. **Duty of Care:** The lawyer owed the client a duty, arising from the attorney-client relationship.
2. **Breach:** The lawyer failed to act with the competence and diligence expected of lawyers in similar circumstances.
3. **Causation:** The client must show that, but for the lawyer’s breach, the client would not have suffered harm.
4. **Damages:** The client suffered actual, compensable loss.

> **Key Term: Duty of Care**  
> The obligation of a lawyer to exercise the competence and diligence of a reasonably prudent lawyer under similar circumstances.
>
> **Key Term: Breach**  
> Failure by the lawyer to meet the standard of care owed to the client.
>
> **Key Term: Causation**  
> The requirement that the lawyer’s breach was the actual and proximate cause of the client’s damages.
>
> **Key Term: Damages**  
> Actual loss suffered by the client as a result of the lawyer’s breach.

### Other Theories of Malpractice

Malpractice claims may also be based on breach of contract (failure to perform as agreed) or breach of fiduciary duty (such as conflicts of interest or misuse of client funds). Intentional torts, such as fraud, may also give rise to liability.

### Vicarious Liability and Law Firm Responsibility

Law firms and partners may be vicariously liable for malpractice committed by their lawyers or employees acting within the scope of their duties. In a general partnership, each partner is jointly and severally liable for the wrongful acts of other partners and employees.

> **Key Term: Vicarious Liability**  
> The legal responsibility of a law firm or partner for the acts or omissions of another lawyer or employee acting within the scope of the firm’s business.

### Limiting and Settling Malpractice Liability

A lawyer may not prospectively limit malpractice liability to a client unless the client is independently represented in making the agreement. Any settlement of a malpractice claim with an unrepresented client requires the lawyer to advise the client in writing of the desirability of seeking independent legal advice and to give the client a reasonable opportunity to obtain such advice.

> **Key Term: Prospective Limitation of Liability**  
> An agreement made before any claim arises that limits the lawyer’s liability for malpractice; generally prohibited unless the client is independently represented.
>
> **Key Term: Malpractice Settlement**  
> An agreement resolving a malpractice claim or potential claim between a lawyer and a client; requires written advice to seek independent counsel if the client is unrepresented.

### Risk Management and Insurance

Lawyers should maintain malpractice insurance and implement risk management strategies, such as proper supervision, conflict checks, and clear communication with clients. While insurance is not always required, it is strongly recommended and may be mandated in some jurisdictions.

### Defenses to Malpractice

Common defenses include:

- The client’s own negligence (contributory or comparative negligence).
- The lawyer’s conduct did not cause the client’s loss.
- The client did not suffer actual damages.
- The lawyer acted in accordance with the client’s informed instructions.

### Civil Liability to Non-Clients

In limited circumstances, a lawyer may owe a duty to non-clients, such as when the lawyer invites reliance by a third party (e.g., issuing an opinion letter) or when the lawyer knows the client intends the lawyer’s services to benefit a non-client (e.g., drafting a will for a testator intending to benefit a specific beneficiary).

### **Worked Example 1.1**

A lawyer fails to file a client’s lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. The client loses the right to sue and suffers a financial loss. The client sues the lawyer for malpractice. What must the client prove to succeed?

> **Answer:** The client must show (1) the lawyer owed a duty of care; (2) the lawyer breached that duty by missing the deadline; (3) the breach caused the client to lose the claim; and (4) the client suffered actual damages as a result.

### **Worked Example 1.2**

A law firm partner did not supervise an associate who mishandled a client’s case, resulting in a loss. The client sues both the associate and the partner. Can the partner be liable?

> **Answer:** Yes. In a general partnership, partners are vicariously liable for malpractice committed by other lawyers or employees acting within the scope of the firm’s business, regardless of direct involvement.

### **Worked Example 1.3**

A lawyer includes a clause in a retainer agreement stating the client cannot sue for malpractice. The client is not represented by independent counsel. Is this clause enforceable?

> **Answer:** No. Prospective limitation of malpractice liability is prohibited unless the client is independently represented in making the agreement.

### **Exam Warning**

> Be careful: A violation of the rules of professional conduct does not automatically mean malpractice. Malpractice requires proof of duty, breach, causation, and damages.

### **Revision Tip**

> Always distinguish between professional discipline (no harm required) and malpractice (client must prove harm).

## **Summary**

Civil liability to clients, including malpractice, requires proof of duty, breach, causation, and damages. Law firms and partners may be vicariously liable for malpractice. Prospective limitations on liability are generally prohibited unless the client is independently represented. Settling malpractice claims with unrepresented clients requires written advice to seek independent counsel. Risk management and insurance are important for reducing exposure.

## **Key Point Checklist**

_This article has covered the following key knowledge points:_

- Civil liability to clients is distinct from professional discipline.
- Malpractice claims require duty, breach, causation, and damages.
- Law firms and partners may be vicariously liable for malpractice.
- Prospective limitation of liability is prohibited unless the client is independently represented.
- Settling malpractice claims with unrepresented clients requires written advice to seek independent counsel.
- Risk management and insurance are important for lawyers.
- Lawyers may owe duties to non-clients in limited circumstances.

## **Key Terms and Concepts**

- Malpractice
- Professional Discipline
- Duty of Care
- Breach
- Causation
- Damages
- Vicarious Liability
- Prospective Limitation of Liability
- Malpractice Settlement

Civil liability and risk management - Civil liability to client, including malpractice