This article from the Southeast Texas Record amplifies the current debate there over mandatory disclosure of legal malpractice coverage.  "There’s a movement in Austin to change this. Last week, a state Supreme Court task force voted down a measure to require Texas lawyers who don’t carry malpractice insurance to tell potential clients beforehand. Supporters plan to keep trying; next month they’ll take their idea to the Texas Bar’s Board of Directors."

"Predictably, lawyers are crying foul. In a lawyer poll–80,000 are licensed to practice law in Texas–70 percent opposed the idea, using arguments that wreak of irony if not hilarity.

Some lawyers contend letting clients know they are insured will prompt clients to–get this–sue them.

"It’s.. like painting a target on your back," complained Plano attorney Charles Awalt, as quoted in the Austin American-Statesman.

Then there’s the cost. Paying a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year in premiums, many solo practitioners say they cannot afford to insure themselves and stay in business. "