Court Might Require Law Malpractice Insurance Disclosure

The state Supreme Court is considering a proposal that would require California lawyers to tell clients from the get-go if they have malpractice insurance.

The State Bar's Board of Governors, a 23member board tasked with organizational, policy and professional issues, recently adopted a proposal that would require California lawyers to provide a written disclosure to clients and potential clients that they do not carry malpractice insurance.

The proposal has gone to the California Supreme Court for approval.

A ruling for the proposal has not been set yet, but the Supreme Court could adopt, deny or return the proposal for further review as soon as the end of this year.

California counts more than 160,000 practicing lawyers.

There isn't a definitive number of how many California lawyers lack malpractice insurance. Legal experts estimate that some 15% to 20% of local lawyers don't have it.