The doctrine of Strategic choice is a high hurdle for the attorney malpractice plaintiff. Courts often determine that “mere differences of opinion concerning strategy do not rise to the level of discharge for cause” or in other words, malpractice.
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Michael Bolton litigation
Michael Bolton http://www.michaelbolton.com has sued Weil Gotshal & Manges http://www.weil.com over whether it was conflicted
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West Virginia Attorney Insurance
The West Virginia State Bar Association http://www.wvbar.org reports that it has passed a bylaw requiring all attorneys in W.Va to disclose whether they have professional liability insurance.
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Due dilligence and distant damages
Mama’s Food Shop wanted to expand its eatery to add a sidewalk cafe. It was not permitted by the Department of Buildings. They sued various parties, and their attorney, on the theory
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Lynrd Skynrd and unconscionable attorney fees
The Second circuit has asked the Court of Appeals to answer a question concerning the Lynrd Skynyrd band http://www.skynyrd.com
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More Mistakes
The fifth group arises from the failure to proffer necessary documents. The opponent to a summary judgment motion must offer admissible proof that a question of fact exists. The opponent of a threshold motion must offer the affidavit of a physician setting forth objective proofs of the injury. The proponent of a motion to restore a case marked off must offer an affidavit of merits. A motion to vacate a dismissal must contain an affidavit of merits. A motion to vacate a default requires both a reasonable excuse for the default along with an affidavit stating a meritorious cause of action or defense. The simple failure to append these documents may constitute malpractice.
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Heirarchy of Mistakes
There is a hierarchy of attorney malpractice mistakes, recognizable by even a layperson. At the head of the list is the failure to start an action, whether a result of failure to file a notice of claim under the General Municipal Law, The Public Authorities Law, the Court of Claims act, or other claim-notice acts. That failure may be a result of failing to file the summons and complaint, or failing to purchase a new index number for the complaint. This group of “failing to file” the case is easily recognizable to the lay juror.
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Common Causes of Attorney Malpractice
The most common causes of attorney malpractice litigation:
1.Poor communication with the client
Always at the base of a professional malpractice lawsuit
2.Statute of Limitations problems
3.Suing a client over the bill.
Often precipitates a malpractice lawsuit
4.Notice of Claim problems
Includes municipal, agency, Court of Claims, private notice requirements, and other condition precedent situations…
Elements of Attorney Malpractice
Malpractice is a professional’s failure to use minimally adequate levels of care, skill or diligence in the performance of the professional’s duties, causing harm to another. In New York, attorney malpractice is defined as a “deviation from good and accepted legal practice, where the client has been proximately damaged by that deviation, but for which, there would have been a different, better or more positive outcome.”
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What is Professional Malpractice
Malpractice is a professional’s failure to use minimally adequate levels of care, skill or diligence in the performance of the professional’s duties, causing harm to another. In New York, attorney malpractice is defined as a “deviation from good and accepted legal practice, where the client has been proximately damaged by that deviation, but for which, there would have been a different, better or more positive outcome.”
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