Legal Malpractice Attorney for Georgia Lawyers
Have You Been Accused of Legal Malpractice?
If you’re an attorney facing allegations of malpractice, you already know what’s at stake—your reputation, career, and livelihood. Defending your professional competence is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about preserving the trust your clients and peers place in you. At Chandler Law, we understand how important it is to provide you with an aggressive and effective defense so you can focus on your own practice with confidence.
What Constitutes Legal Malpractice?
Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney fails to meet the expected standard of care in their profession. Standards are derived from years of precedent, ethics codes, and state laws. Examples may include missing deadlines, failing to communicate settlement offers or obtain client consent, or neglecting key aspects of a client’s case. Facing a legal malpractice claim doesn’t mean you’re liable, but it does mean you need experienced representation to prove your adherence to the standard of care and ethical standards.
Why Attorneys in Georgia Turn to Chandler Law
When lawyers face legal malpractice claims, they often find themselves in a challenging position of simultaneously addressing their own defense while maintaining their other ongoing client cases. Chandler Law provides the representation you need to shift this burden off your shoulders. With deep expertise in professional liability and a proven track record of defending attorneys, our team knows how to protect your interests with precision and care.
Are You Facing a State Bar Complaint?
State bar complaints can lead to disciplinary actions that may seriously impact your ability to practice. If you’ve received a complaint, taking a measured and strategic approach is essential. The State Bar of Georgia mandates all attorneys’ ethical and professional conduct, and you need a defense attorney who understands these exacting standards. Douglas Chandler, founder of Chandler Law, has successfully represented numerous attorneys facing state bar grievances, demonstrating his ability to minimize reputational and professional risks.
The Importance of Demonstrating Standard of Care
Legal malpractice claims often hinge on proving whether the attorney deviated below their required professional standard of care. At Chandler Law, we understand the nuanced defenses of the case within the case, and we know how to challenge the allegations against you to show that you upheld your legal and ethical standards owed to your client. This certainly would involve investigating the allegations, analyzing case details, and working with expert witnesses who can affirm your adherence to the standards required of Georgia attorneys.
Common Grounds for Legal Malpractice Claims
Attorneys may face malpractice claims for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Missing critical deadlines, including statutes of limitations.
- Failing to investigate or prepare facts necessary for the case.
- Ignoring or improperly executing court orders.
- Failing to inform clients about settlement offers or failing to get the client’s consent to accept a settlement offer.
If you’re dealing with one of these claims or a related accusation, Chandler Law can thoroughly assess your case and outline a defense strategy tailored to the specific allegations you’re facing.
What Damages Do You Need To Defend Against?
For a claim to succeed, plaintiffs must prove they incurred damages as a direct result of your actions (or inactions). These damages often include financial losses like missed compensation or settlement opportunities. At Chandler Law, we build strong defenses by uncovering inconsistencies in the claims filed against you or demonstrating other intervening factors that could have contributed to the damages being alleged.
Understanding Breach of Fiduciary Duty Claims
Breach of fiduciary duty is often included in malpractice claims. A fiduciary relationship means placing your client’s best interests above all else, free from personal gain or conflicts of interest. These cases may allege self-dealing or actions taken in bad faith. Chandler Law carefully examines the circumstances and evidence surrounding breach of fiduciary claims to help protect your license and your credibility.
How Chandler Law Effectively Defends Attorneys
Each legal malpractice case is unique, but our defense typically follows a structured approach that includes the following steps:
- Investigating the allegations thoroughly, identifying areas of vulnerability and strength.
- Uncovering exculpatory arguments supported by expert testimony and supporting evidence.
- Challenging the plaintiff’s ability to establish duty, breach, causation, and damages.
We work closely with you to ensure every detail of the case is addressed, leaving no room for uncertainty in the defense we provide.
Why Your Professional Attorney-Client Relationship Matters
The attorney-client relationship is central to any malpractice claim. Plaintiffs generally need to prove the relationship exists to hold you liable. However, there are often nuances—like whether there was an actual written engagement agreement or some implied reliance on advice—that can work in your favor and sometimes against you. Chandler Law has the professional liability experience necessary to help you mitigate these types of claims.
Can Substantial Compliance Prevent Legal Malpractice Liability?
Not in all cases. But even if mistakes occurred, those mistakes may not have been your fault, or those mistakes may not have been the cause of the alleged damages. Showing substantial compliance with legal and professional duties may protect you from malpractice liability. Through careful evaluation and presentation of your work and intentions, Chandler Law advocates on your behalf to show judges and juries that your efforts to deliver competent legal services met or exceeded your professional and ethical obligations to your clients.
When Is It Time To Call Chandler Law?
If you’re an attorney in Georgia facing legal malpractice claims, state bar complaints, or accusations of breach of fiduciary duty, it’s never too early to seek legal representation. At Chandler Law, we dedicate ourselves to defending attorneys like you—professionals who recognize the importance of having a knowledgeable and proactive legal defense team.
Legal malpractice or disciplinary defense isn’t something you should attempt to face on your own. Contact Chandler Law today to schedule a consultation and discuss your best path forward. Together, we’ll work to protect your future so you can keep doing what you do best—practicing law.