Legal Malpractice
Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney’s negligence, misconduct, or breach of duty causes harm to a client.
Texas courts have made clear that “legal malpractice” is a broad term — it includes any claim brought by a client against their lawyer, whether the issue involves:
Texas courts have made clear that “legal malpractice” is a broad term — it includes any claim brought by a client against their lawyer, whether the issue involves:
- Negligence
- Breach of contract
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Fraud or misrepresentation
- Violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)
Common Examples of Legal Malpractice
Common Examples of Legal MalpracticeLegal malpractice can happen in any practice area — civil, criminal, immigration, personal injury, family, business law, and more.
Some common examples include:
Some common examples include:
- Missing filing deadlines or statutes of limitations
- Failing to communicate material facts or obtain client consent
- Mismanaging court calendars or key events
- Conducting inadequate discovery or investigations
- Failing to designate appropriate experts or witnesses
- Drafting faulty contracts, agreements, or pleadings
- Conflicts of interest — putting the lawyer’s own interests ahead of the client’s
- Overbilling or other unethical conduct
- Failing to diligently pursue the client’s case
Experience and Insight Matters
DaSean Jones, a seasoned trial lawyer and former district judge, brings decades of combined courtroom experience and a justice-driven approach to each legal malpractice case. We understand both sides of the courtroom — and we know how to demonstrate when an attorney’s breach of duty directly harmed a client.
Time Limits for Bringing a ClaimAct quickly. Legal malpractice claims are subject to strict deadlines, called statutes of limitation:
Why Choose DaSean Jones Law FirmClients trust us because we offer:
Time Limits for Bringing a ClaimAct quickly. Legal malpractice claims are subject to strict deadlines, called statutes of limitation:
- Two years in Texas for most negligence-based claims, misrepresentation, and DTPA violations
- Four years for claims based on fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, or breach of contract
Why Choose DaSean Jones Law FirmClients trust us because we offer:
- A battle-tested trial lawyer with experience on both the bench and in the trenches of litigation
- A client-centered approach focused on transparency, communication, and aggressive pursuit of your rights
- A commitment to restoring your confidence in the legal system by holding negligent lawyers accountable
What to Do If You are a Victim of Legal Malpractice
Document the Details.
Avoid Further Contact with the Malpracticing.Lawyer. Once you suspect malpractice, be cautious in further communication with the lawyer or their firm. Avoid signing new agreements, settlements, or releases without independent legal advice.
Consult an Experienced Legal Malpractice Attorney. Reach out promptly to a knowledgeable and ethical attorney who handles legal malpractice claims. They can:
- Write down as much information as you can about what happened:
- The name of the lawyer and their law firm
- Key dates (for example, when you hired them, court deadlines, when you discovered the problem)
- A clear description of what went wrong (missed deadlines, lack of communication, conflicts of interest, etc.)
- Keep all relevant materials, including:
- Engagement letters, contracts, and fee agreements
- Emails, letters, texts, or voicemails between you and the lawyer
- Court filings, orders, or pleadings related to your case
- Receipts, invoices, or billing statements
- Any documents that show deadlines were missed or mistakes were made
Avoid Further Contact with the Malpracticing.Lawyer. Once you suspect malpractice, be cautious in further communication with the lawyer or their firm. Avoid signing new agreements, settlements, or releases without independent legal advice.
Consult an Experienced Legal Malpractice Attorney. Reach out promptly to a knowledgeable and ethical attorney who handles legal malpractice claims. They can:
- Evaluate whether your previous lawyer’s actions fell below the professional standard of care
- Determine if you have a valid claim under Texas law
- Take timely action to protect your rights before the statute of limitations expires