Legal Malpractice and the Attorney Judgment Rule

January 27, 2023

The attorney judgment rule is a legal principle that applies to legal malpractice claims in Washington state, and it can have a significant impact on the outcome of these types of cases. The rule essentially states that an attorney’s decisions and actions, which are taken in the course of representing a client, are protected by a qualified privilege, and can only be challenged if the attorney’s conduct falls below the standard of care of a reasonable attorney.

This rule is intended to protect attorneys from frivolous lawsuits, and to ensure that they are able to freely and confidently advise their clients without fear of retaliation. However, it also means that plaintiffs in legal malpractice cases must be able to demonstrate that their attorney’s conduct fell below the standard of care, and that this conduct caused them actual damages. This can be a difficult burden to meet. If you have a legal malpractice claim, any attorney who represents you must be prepared to present a strong case that clearly demonstrates these elements. Our attorneys at Albert Law PLLC will take a look at your case and help you determine if you have a strong legal malpractice claim.

One important aspect of the attorney judgment rule in Washington state is the concept of “reasonable attorney” standard. This standard means that the attorney’s conduct is measured against what a reasonable attorney with similar qualifications would have done in similar circumstances. This standard is not fixed and it can change over time.

Another important consideration is the fact that the attorney judgment rule applies only to attorney conduct that is related to legal representation. This means that it does not protect attorneys from liability for conduct that is not related to their representation of a client, such as fraud or embezzlement.

It’s worth noting that the attorney judgment rule is not absolute, and it can be overcome in certain circumstances, such as if the attorney’s conduct was so outrageous or fraudulent that it is considered to be a breach of professional conduct. Additionally, if the attorney knew or should have known that their conduct was likely to cause harm to their client, they may be held liable for malpractice.

The attorney judgment rule is an important principle that applies to legal malpractice claims in Washington state. It protects attorneys from frivolous lawsuits and allows them to freely advise their clients. However, it also places a high burden on plaintiffs to prove that the attorney’s conduct fell below the standard of care and caused actual damages. If you believe that you have been the victim of legal malpractice, call Albert Law PLLC to speak with an attorney who has experience handling these types of claims. Our attorneys at Albert Law PLLC work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.