Legal Malpractice (Lawyers Professional Liability / E&O)

• Claims alleging negligence, errors, or omissions in legal representation or advice
• Missed statutes of limitations - a common malpractice trigger in NH
• Conflict of interest failures, drafting errors, and inadequate legal advice
• Legal defense costs even when the claim is groundless - often the most valuable feature
• Claims-made form with retroactive date covering prior work
• Common limits: $1M/$1M to $5M/$5M depending on firm size and practice area

Firms in New Hampshire face high malpractice exposure, particularly in personal injury and family law cases where missed deadlines can have significant consequences.

Cyber Liability

• Data breach response: client notification, credit monitoring, forensic investigation
• Ransomware extortion and system recovery costs
• Business interruption if a cyber event disrupts firm operations
• Third-party liability if a breach exposes privileged client communications
• Regulatory fines under NH's Data Breach Notification Law
• Wire fraud and social engineering coverage - increasingly common in real estate transactions

Law firms are prime targets for cybercriminals due to the sensitive information they handle. A cyber attack can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage.

General Liability & BOP

• Bodily injury to clients or visitors at your New Hampshire office
• Property damage caused by your employees during client visits or court appearances
• Personal and advertising injury (defamation claims in published materials)
• BOP bundles GL and Commercial Property at a discounted rate for firms with a fixed office
• Additional Insured for commercial landlords in New Hampshire

GL covers physical liability, while Malpractice/E&O covers professional errors. Most commercial leases require $1M/$2M GL with the landlord as Additional Insured.

Crime & IOLTA Fidelity

• Misappropriation of client funds held in IOLTA trust accounts
• Employee theft of firm funds, escrow balances, or settlement proceeds
• Forgery and check fraud on trust or operating accounts
• Computer fraud and fraudulent wire transfers
• Addresses NH RPC 1.15 trust account obligations from an insurance standpoint

Trust account misappropriation is a serious exposure for New Hampshire law firms, and Crime/Fidelity coverage is essential to protect against these risks.

Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)

• Discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination claims under NH law
• Claims alleging hostile work environment or retaliation
• Pay equity and failure-to-promote claims in growing firms
• Defense costs in New Hampshire courts, where plaintiff-favorable outcomes can occur
• Third-party EPLI for claims by clients or adverse parties

New Hampshire's employment laws require firms to be vigilant about workplace practices, making EPLI coverage crucial for all law firms.

Workers' Compensation

• Required by NH law for any firm with employees
• Medical bills and lost wages for office injuries, ergonomic strain, and commute-related incidents
• Covers associates, paralegals, and administrative staff
• Employers Liability protects against employee negligence suits
• Non-compliance fines can be significant; NH DOL actively audits employers

Even a desk-based law office carries WC exposure, and compliance with NH law is essential to avoid penalties.

Commercial Umbrella

• Adds $1M-$10M+ excess liability above GL, Auto, and Employers Liability
• May be required by corporate clients before retainer
• Protects partner personal assets above the firm's primary GL limits in serious claims

A serious injury at a law firm's office could generate claims that exceed standard GL limits, making an umbrella policy a wise investment.

Hired & Non-Owned Auto / Commercial Auto

• HNOA: liability when attorneys or staff use personal vehicles for court appearances or client visits
• Commercial Auto: for firms with owned vehicles
• Covers trips to New Hampshire courts and client offices

Attorneys driving personal vehicles for business purposes create liability that personal policies may not cover. HNOA is a low-cost endorsement that closes this gap.

NH RPC 1.15 - Client Fund Handling

New Hampshire's Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15 requires attorneys to hold client funds in a properly maintained IOLTA trust account, maintain accurate records, and promptly disburse funds when due. Commingling client and firm funds is a disciplinary violation. The NH Office of Attorney Discipline audits trust accounts and investigates complaints - findings of misappropriation can result in suspension or disbarment. Crime / Fidelity insurance provides the financial backstop when internal controls fail.

NH Data Breach Notification Law

New Hampshire's data breach statute requires any business maintaining computerized records of personal information to notify affected residents promptly after discovering a breach. This obligation applies to every law firm regardless of size. Cyber Liability insurance covers the notification, credit monitoring, forensic investigation, and regulatory response costs that follow a breach.

NH Rules of Professional Conduct - Malpractice Disclosure

New Hampshire's RPC requires attorneys who do not carry professional liability insurance to disclose this fact in writing to clients before commencing representation. While NH does not mandate malpractice coverage, the disclosure requirement creates a practical obligation - few clients will retain a firm that discloses it has no malpractice coverage. We help firms access affordable coverage at limits appropriate for their practice.

New Hampshire Courts & Local Bar

New Hampshire is home to several courts, including the Superior Court and the Supreme Court. Attorneys practicing regularly in these courts operate in an environment where judges are experienced and juries can be plaintiff-favorable in personal injury matters. This context reinforces the importance of adequate malpractice limits, particularly for personal injury and family law practitioners.