Torrance Legal Malpractice Lawyer

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Dedicated Torrance Legal Malpractice Attorney

Experienced Torrance Legal Malpractice Lawyer

Clients trust their attorneys to represent them with skill and knowledge. Errors can happen, however, and some mistakes can result in financial loss or other damages that affect the outcome of a matter. If you suspect your attorney was negligent, it’s important to know your rights. A Torrance legal malpractice lawyer can help determine if the mishandling of a case is due to an attorney’s misconduct or negligence.

Get to Know Century Law Group LLP

Century Law Group LLP serves clients across California in business litigation, real estate disputes, professional license defense, complex business transactions, and general civil litigation. We pride ourselves on offering strategic and tailored legal advice based on the unique facts of your matter.

We know that when legal representation falls below the expected standard of care and causes financial losses, clients can face serious personal and professional stakes. That is why we are dedicated to guiding our clients through difficult legal situations with practical and cost-effective legal solutions.

What Is Legal Malpractice?

Legal malpractice is defined as when an attorney breaches their duty of care to their client. An attorney’s duty of care represents the professional standard of care they offer to clients. Not every mistake an attorney makes may be considered negligent or be considered legal malpractice.

For example, attorneys are not guaranteed to produce a certain outcome in a case. Legal malpractice can typically be defined as when an attorney provides services that fall below the standard of care that a reasonable lawyer would provide.

Typically, to prove legal malpractice, a plaintiff may have to show that an attorney owed them a duty of care, breached that duty, caused harm, and that damages were incurred as a result of the breach of duty. This often involves a deep dive into court documents, crucial deadlines, correspondence between attorneys, filings, and other relevant materials.

Just like any other legal case, proving legal malpractice hinges on a thorough review of what went wrong to cause the poor result.

Common Types of Legal Malpractice

While specific data regarding legal malpractice is limited, one source claims that in 2024, there were 70 million state court filings, which was a 4% change from 2023. Presumably, some of these included legal malpractice claims.

Missing deadlines, like the statute of limitations
Failing to file paperwork with the court
Overlooking evidence
Having a conflict of interest that adversely affects a client
Giving improper legal advice
Failing to respond to a settlement offer
Misappropriating client funds
Failing to conduct proper legal research

While these examples can contribute to a legal malpractice claim, each matter is determined by its individual facts.

Like any legal claim, there are legal malpractice laws that may apply to your case. California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.6 establishes a statute of limitations for legal malpractice claims. Generally, a client has one year to file a legal malpractice claim from the date of the wrongful act or omission. However, there are exceptions.

The California Rules of Professional Conduct also apply to lawyers in California. The rules describe the ethical responsibilities of lawyers and address conflicts of interest as well as other important topics, such as communication and confidentiality.

Violating the California Rules of Professional Conduct does not necessarily result in malpractice, but it can help determine if an attorney breached their duty of care. Knowing your legal malpractice rights is key when navigating your case.

Local Considerations

Torrance is home to thousands of residents and hundreds of local businesses. Just like in any other California city, people rely on attorneys for real estate transactions, business dealings, litigation, and many other legal matters. Whether you live near Del Amo Fashion Center, Pacific Coast Highway, Hawthorne Boulevard, or Interstate 405, you may have worked with an attorney who was negligent when handling your legal malpractice case.

When legal negligence is involved, it can affect local businesses and court cases in the South Bay area. A Torrance legal malpractice attorney in the South Bay handles matters involving businesses and industries local to the area.

FAQs

Can I File a Legal Claim Against My Former Attorney if They No Longer Practice Law?

Yes. Generally speaking, the retirement or resignation of an attorney, or cessation from the practice of law, does not bar a legal malpractice claim. Whether or not you can still bring a claim depends on many different factors, including any statutes of limitations that may apply, evidence you have available, and the specific circumstances of your situation.

Even after leaving the practice of law, lawyers can still face legal claims for things that occurred while they were representing clients.

What Types of Damages Are Available in a Legal Malpractice Claim?

Damages are usually limited to monetary loss caused by the lawyer’s alleged negligence. Depending on the facts of the case, these damages could consist of lost settlement value, lost judgment value, additional attorney’s fees, lost business opportunities, or other financial losses. Plaintiffs usually have to prove the harm they suffered as a result of the attorney’s actions.

Can a Business Bring a Legal Malpractice Claim?

Yes. Companies can bring a legal malpractice claim if they have hired an attorney or law firm and have experienced damages as a result of that lawyer’s negligence. For example, if a company hires an attorney to handle a legal issue, the company may be able to bring a legal malpractice claim. The company usually has to prove that the attorney caused actual monetary damage to the company.

Can Legal Malpractice Occur in Settlement Negotiations?

Yes, malpractice claims can occur when lawyers do not communicate settlement offers, give incorrect advice about settlement terms, or otherwise mishandle settlement negotiations. As decisions about settlement have such a drastic financial impact, lawyers typically owe their clients enough information about potential resolutions to allow them to make informed decisions.

Hire a Legal Malpractice Lawyer

If you or your business is involved in a legal malpractice claim, Century Law Group LLP can inform you of your legal options and assist you along the way. Contact us today for more information.

Testimonials

- This was more than business

“I want to thank you personally and profusely for ending my State Bar inquiry. To me it was an existential threat. It was troublesome beyond your patience to listen to me complain. I can best express the relief I felt when you told me it was over. This was more than business, it was deeply […]

- I highly recommend Century Law Group, because of them I won my case

“I honestly appreciate Century Law Group. They have helped me throughout my process. They have kept me informed and put me at much ease throughout my situation. I highly recommend Century Law Group, and because of them I won my case. Rizza especially was wonderful. I wouldn’t know what I would’ve done without her and […]

- Your support has been a blessing to me

“Thank you for your help this year. Your faith and support have been a blessing to me.”

- You did excellent in court

“Thank you! Just to let you know that you did excellent in the court, especially at the end. I can say you did more than just your job. Sorry I didn’t tell you before but I was nervous and I had many other emotions going on at the same time 🙂 Thanks again and blessings […]

- You rock! Thank you!

“… You helped my dream come true! Thank you so much for prepping me and thank you for showing me that my situation wasn’t all that bad. I really was in the slumps. After meeting with you I felt confident and proud of how far I have come. You rock! Thank you again!”

- The pressure was taken off our shoulders

“My husband and I retained [CLG] regarding a business partnership dissolution. Our situation was extremely stressful and multifaceted. Neither my husband, nor myself had any expertise in this area. We initially had a consult with them, in addition to 2 other attorneys, so as to settle on the right fit. While all 3 attorneys we […]

- Extremely helpful in resolving my matter

“Rizza and the team at Century Law Group were extremely helpful in resolving my matter before the Department of Insurance. I highly recommend them to anyone requiring assistance in obtaining or retaining their insurance license” – Sheik S.

- Straight forward, honest, and accurate

“The team at Century Law Group demonstrated skill, professionalism, and were always extremely responsive. They were straight forward, honest, and accurate in providing insight and advice. I recommend CLG to anyone who needs legal guidance.” – Tim R.

- Their experience was very apparent

“CLG was fantastic. They were very knowledgeable about the matter they handled for me and their experience was very apparent. Very glad I selected them.” – Amit P.

- Thank you for your dedication

“Thanks for your fine work and dedication to your profession.”

- I am so thankful

“Marisol successfully defended me. I am so thankful to have retained this firm to assist me during this very stressful event. I strongly recommend that you hire this firm should you have a complaint lodged against your firm.” – Judy B.

- The results speak for themselves

“Ed and his team provided me with excellent reputation during one of the worst times of my life. Not only was I kept fully informed of the progress of my case, thanks to their legal knowledge and research skills they were able to resolve my case with a complete dismissal. The burden that lifted from […]

- After much stress and worry, I can finally feel at ease.

“I am very impressed with Rizza. She explained the process very thoroughly, and made me feel very confident about my situation! The rate was very reasonable for the services their firm offers. After much stress and worry, I can finally feel at ease … I am so glad I found these guys.” – Joe J.

- I felt entirely assured

“… I got that dreaded letter right before Christmas, it seemed as though my world fell apart. I immediately searched for an attorney online and came across Marisol Ocampo. I left a message, not expecting to hear back for a bit, but to my surprise I received a call from Marisol herself, on the same […]

- I refer you

“I refer you every opportunity I get …”

- Prompt, professional, reliable

“I would unequivocally endorse this team. They are prompt, professional, and reliable. They helped me obtain a very favorable outcome. [They] were very helpful and helped me reach very favorable outcomes … Thank you Century Law Group!!” – Benjamin S.

- YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

“I cannot thank you enough. YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! We had a record day for a Friday yesterday, even with all the turmoil. Could not have done it without you. Like it or not, You are now family!”

- I knew CLG was the right choice

“After consulting with a handful of other firms, I knew CLG was the right choice. My matter is resolved now and I have no regrets. I am especially grateful for the peace of mind I had throughout the entire process. Once I retained their office, I knew things were being taken care of and I […]

- Steady counsel in a nerve-wracking time

“Century Law Group not only helped me achieve a very favorable outcome, but [they] provided steady counsel in a nerve-wracking time. Strongly recommend” – Athul A.

- I would unequivocally endorse this team

“I would unequivocally endorse this team. They are prompt, professional, and reliable. They helped me obtain a very favorable outcome. I had TWO matters before the BAR and Mr. Lear and his team were very helpful and helped me reach very favorable outcomes in both matters with no disciplinary action taken by the BAR. Thank […]