If a lawyer has misrepresented you or been negligent in their advice or conduct, Shine Lawyers can help. Our legal negligence team can offer you advice or file a professional negligence claim against a solicitor, lawyer, barrister or other legal professional on your behalf – compensating you for financial loss or other damages connected with the legal professional’s negligence.
What is Legal Negligence?
Lawyers have a duty to “provide professional services with reasonable care and skill”. A lawyer who fails to exercise a degree of care considered reasonable might be found liable for negligence, and may lose their practising certificate.
If you have concerns about the way a legal professional has handled an issue, you have the right to speak to them directly about it. You also have the right to report mishandling of a legal issue to the relevant commission in your state or territory.
But if their actions have caused you financial loss or damages, you should seek independent advice.
Can I sue a lawyer for negligence?
Failing to fulfil a client’s hopes or expectations does not in itself count as legal negligence. Yet lawyers have a duty of care and a responsibility to uphold it to a reasonable standard. There are many examples of negligence or unsatisfactory conduct that legal professionals can be held accountable for, including:
- Giving poor or incorrect legal advice.
- Poor drafting of financial agreements, for example in a prenuptial agreement or binding financial agreement.
- Unacceptable delays or missing the time limitation periods in your case
- Suing the wrong party or in the name of the wrong party
- Under-settling a claim.
- Charging an unreasonable amount.
- Fraud or dishonesty.
No win no fee legal malpractice claims
Whether you want to make a compensation claim against lawyer for negligence or just seek some advice, get in touch with us via the phone or using the contact form below.
