Legal Malpractice Insurance Study

The State Bar of California invites members of the public, including licensed attorneys, to provide input as it undertakes a statutorily mandated study of issues related to legal malpractice insurance. Business and Professions Code Section 6069.5 directs the State Bar to study the following issues:
  • The availability of professional liability insurance for attorneys;
  • Measures for encouraging attorneys to obtain professional liability insurance;
  • Recommended ranges of insurance limits;
  • The adequacy of the current disclosure rule regarding insurance and;
  • The advisability of mandating professional liability insurance for licensed attorneys

A report on the findings of this study will be made to the California Supreme Court and Legislature on March 31, 2019.

The State Bar’s Board of Trustees has appointed a Malpractice Insurance Working Group (MIWG) to undertake the mandated study and report its findings to the Board. The following information about the work of the MIWG to date can be found on the State Bar’s website:

Additional meetings of the MIWG are scheduled as follows:

August 27, 2018
180 Howard St., San Francisco
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

November 13, 2018
845 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

January 14, 2019
180 Howard St., San Francisco|
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An agenda will be posted on the State Bar’s website ten days in advance of each meeting. Members of the public who are interested in this topic are encouraged to attend these meetings, which provide an opportunity for public comment.

The public is also invited to participate in conference calls during which MIWG subcommittees discuss specific topics. Agendas for these calls, as well as information about calling in, can be found on the State Bar’s website.

Comments can also be sent via email to linda.katz@calbar.ca.gov. 

The deadline for public comment is October 15, 2018.