Number 16 – Does it matter if the attorney you hire has malpractice insurance?
Perhaps it is because we pursue cases against other attorneys, that this question is very important.Customarily, the attorneys who would need this coverage the most, don’t have it. The ones who don’t have coverage, usually don’t have any assets.
The practice of law should always include integrity. It’s time to hold lawyers accountable who do not exercise integrity in the practice of Law. Attorneys should be held to a higher standard. “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Unfortunately, the corrupt actions of a few have tarnished the reputation of the legal profession and attorneys in general.
It saddens me to see the number of clients whose cases have been neglected or mishandled by less than reputable attorneys who show no remorse for their actions and often no regard for those who put their trust in them.
I am fully persuaded that every practicing attorney should be required to maintain malpractice (professional liability) insurance and provide disclosure upon request. At a minimum, attorneys should be required to make financial restitution to their clients whose cases have been mishandled and suffered losses.
Jesus said, “He who is to be first among you must become the servant.” Attorneys are exactly that, servants to our clients who place their faith, hope and often their lives in our hands. The attorney is your advocate, but works for you. You can hire, and terminate the contract with your attorney, at any time. Integrity, honesty and reliability, are absolute requirements in the legal field. I believe an attorney seriously concerned about the clients will be honest and therefore, have some system in place to protect the client in the event the client should need to be protected. A good way to do this is by purchasing insurance.
Anyone anticipating hiring an attorney should ask, no later than the initial interview, if he or she has malpractice insurance. If the attorney does not, consider not hiring that attorney.
David R. Moore