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 Rhode Island
• 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 Rhode Island face high malpractice exposure, particularly in personal injury and family law, where missed deadlines and procedural errors can lead to significant claims.

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 Rhode Island's data breach laws
• 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 breach can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage.

General Liability & BOP

• Bodily injury to clients or visitors at your Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island

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 RI RPC 1.15 trust account obligations from an insurance standpoint

Trust account misappropriation is a serious risk for Rhode Island law firms, and Crime/Fidelity coverage is essential to protect against these exposures.

Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)

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

Rhode Island's employment laws are comprehensive, making EPLI coverage crucial for law firms, especially those with growing staff.

Workers' Compensation

• Required by Rhode Island 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; Rhode Island DOL actively audits employers

Even a desk-based law office carries WC exposure, and compliance with Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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.

RI RPC 1.15 - Client Fund Handling

Rhode Island's Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15 mandates that attorneys 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 RI Office of Attorney Ethics audits trust accounts and investigates complaints - findings of misappropriation can lead to severe penalties. Crime / Fidelity insurance provides the financial backstop when internal controls fail.

RI Data Breach Notification Law

Rhode Island'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 in the state. Cyber Liability insurance covers the notification, credit monitoring, forensic investigation, and regulatory response costs that follow a breach.

RI Rules of Professional Conduct - Malpractice Disclosure

Rhode Island's RPC requires attorneys who do not carry professional liability insurance to disclose this fact in writing to clients before commencing representation. While RI does not mandate malpractice coverage, this disclosure 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.

Rhode Island Courts & Local Bar

Rhode Island is home to a variety of courts, including the Rhode Island Supreme Court and various District Courts. Attorneys practicing regularly in these courts operate in an environment where judges are experienced and juries are considered plaintiff-favorable in personal injury matters. This context reinforces the importance of adequate malpractice limits, particularly for personal injury and family law practitioners.