What insurance does a attorney / lawyer need?
Not all professions face the same risks. Below is a breakdown of every coverage type relevant to attorney / lawyers — what each one covers, whether it's required, and what you should expect to pay in 2026.
Legal Malpractice (Professional Liability)Required
$100–$300/mo
Core protection for attorneys. Covers client claims of negligence, missed deadlines, wrong legal advice, and conflict of interest.
General Liability
$20–$50/mo
Covers client injuries at your office and premises-related incidents.
Cyber Liability
$25–$60/mo
Covers client data breaches and confidentiality violations from cyber incidents.
EPLI
$30–$80/mo
Employment practices liability — important for law firms with staff.
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Top risks for attorney / lawyers
- Client claims missed deadline or statute of limitations
- Conflict of interest allegation
- Confidentiality breach
- Incorrect legal advice
- Trust account mismanagement
How much does insurance cost?
Most attorney / lawyers pay $150–$500/month for a complete coverage package. Your exact cost depends on your state, annual revenue, whether you have employees, your claims history, and the coverage limits you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is legal malpractice insurance required?
Requirements vary by state. Oregon is the only state that mandates malpractice insurance for all active attorneys. Most state bars strongly encourage it, and many clients require proof of coverage.
What triggers a malpractice claim for attorneys?
Common triggers include missed statutes of limitations, missed court deadlines, failure to advise on a legal issue, conflict of interest, and inadequate case preparation.
How much malpractice coverage do solo attorneys need?
Most solo practitioners carry $100K–$500K per claim. High-risk practice areas (medical malpractice defense, securities litigation) typically require $1M+.
How to get the best rate
The fastest way to find the lowest rate is to compare multiple carriers side by side. Most attorney / lawyers can get quotes from 3–5 insurers in under 10 minutes and receive their certificate of insurance the same day.