Legal Malpractice Attorney in Chicago, IL

Elements of a Legal Malpractice Claim

To pursue a legal malpractice case in Illinois, we focus on establishing four key elements:

1. Attorney-Client Relationship. It must be established that a formal professional relationship existed, which created a legal duty of care between the attorney and the client.
2. Breach of Duty. We must demonstrate that the attorney’s actions or omissions fell below the standard of care reasonably expected from competent legal practitioners.
3. Causation.  There must be a clear link showing that the attorney’s error directly caused the financial or procedural harm experienced by the client.
4. Damages. We must quantify the losses resulting from the attorney’s conduct, which can include monetary damages, lost settlements, adverse judgments, or missed legal opportunities.

Each element requires careful documentation, including contracts, correspondence, court filings, and evidence of the attorney’s decisions and actions. We work closely to gather relevant emails, meeting notes, billing records, and official court documents to establish a clear timeline of events. By reviewing these materials alongside expert analysis, we can show how specific attorney actions—or failures—directly led to financial losses, missed settlements, or unfavorable court outcomes.

Common Examples of Legal Malpractice 

Chicago clients often encounter legal malpractice in a variety of contexts, including:

• Personal injury cases. Attorneys may miss key filings or deadlines, which can jeopardize a client’s ability to recover compensation for injuries sustained in an accident.
• Real estate transactions. Errors in property contracts, title issues, or mismanagement of escrow accounts can lead to financial losses and complicate the purchase or sale of real estate.
• Business and corporate law. Inadequate counsel during mergers, acquisitions, or contract negotiations can result in missed opportunities, financial setbacks, or unintended legal liability.
• Criminal defense. Failing to file critical motions, conduct proper discovery, or protect a client’s constitutional rights can severely undermine a defense and increase the risk of conviction.
• Family law. Negligence in divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, or asset division can cause long-term financial and personal consequences for clients and their families.

Recognizing the signs of malpractice early allows us to evaluate whether a claim is viable and what remedial actions can be pursued.