Is Your Attorney Malpractice Insurance (LPL) Working as Hard as You Do?
You double-check every deadline. You screen for conflicts. You juggle client expectations, court calendars, and the ever-changing tides of legal trends. But when was the last time you gave your lawyers professional liability insurance policy (LPL) the same level of scrutiny?
LPL is frequently treated as a checkbox—renewed annually with little reflection. Yet, just as a law practice evolves, so do the risks, and your policy needs to keep pace.
The Illusion of Protection
Attorneys assume their policy will “just work” when a claim arises. But the reality could look different. Gaps in coverage, ambiguous language, or policy periods gaps can leave you exposed just when you need protection most.
Common blind spots include:
- Late claim reporting due to misunderstanding “claims-made and reported” terms.
- Retroactive dates not extending far enough to cover work performed under prior employment.
- Contractual liability exclusions that impact coverage for closely held clients.
- Coverage exclusions for your practice areas.
- Late renewal of coverage causing coverage gaps that limit past acts coverage.
What to Review—Before the Renewal
Here’s a punch list to ensure your policy is actually pulling its weight:
- Policy Period and Retro Date: Do they provide continuous claims-made coverage that spans your actual work history?
- Claim or Disciplinary Reporting Provisions: Have you compiled the notice requirements?
- Exclusions: Are you aware of what’s not covered (and why)?
- Prior Acts Coverage: Especially important for lateral moves or firm mergers.
- Supplementary Coverages: Subpoena assistance, disciplinary defense, or cyber endorsements can add or subtract crucial coverage.
Preventive Lawyering Includes Insurance Literacy
Just as you wouldn’t file a motion without reading the rules, you shouldn’t rely on a policy you haven’t reviewed. Make it a habit to not just to renew, but to reflect. Ask: What has changed in my practice this year? Are my exposures evolving? Is my insurer still the best fit for my risk profile?
Final Brief
You work hard to practice good law. Your insurance should work just as hard to protect it. A policy that aligns with your operations, your clients, and your risks is more than a safety net—it’s a strategic advantage. L Squared Insurance Agency agents specialize in LPL coverages and can match your insurance needs with the right policy.
Get Lawyers Liability Insurance Malpractice Insurance Quote
Contact Me Today
Lee Norcross, MBA, CPCU
California License # 0D87292
L Squared Insurance Agency, LLC ® DBA in California as L2 L Squared Insurance Agency, License # 0L93416
Managing Director, CEO
Lee@L2Ins.com
616-726-7080
