Law firm and attorney insurance in North Carolina

Law firms and attorneys face professional liability exposure on every client matter, along with the standard property, liability, and employment risks of any business. A comprehensive insurance program addresses both the professional and operational sides of the practice.

Legal malpractice coverage is the core of any law firm's insurance program. It covers claims that an attorney's negligence, error, or omission caused financial harm to a client, including legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. Solo practitioners and large firms alike need this coverage.

Legal malpractice policies are almost always written on a claims-made basis, the policy in effect when the claim is reported covers it, not necessarily the policy in effect when the work was done. This makes tail coverage essential when changing carriers or closing a firm.

• General liability: bodily injury and property damage for the office, a client slipping on premises, a visitor injured in the building
• Commercial property: office furniture, computers, client files, and leasehold improvements
• Cyber liability: law firms hold privileged communications, sensitive client data, and often financial information, they are prime ransomware and phishing targets
• Employment practices liability (EPLI): wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination claims from associates and support staff
• Workers compensation: NC requires coverage for firms with 3 or more employees
• Excess/umbrella: additional liability limits above primary policies for high-stakes practice areas or larger firms