What actions might constitute malpractice for attorneys in Arizona?

Malpractice for attorneys in Arizona primarily involves a breach of the standard of care that a reasonable attorney would be expected to provide in similar circumstances. This standard includes maintaining a high level of professionalism through diligence, competence, and adherence to client instructions.

In this context, negligence signifies that an attorney failed to act with the expected level of care, which could lead to a significant disadvantage for the client. A lack of diligence may involve failing to pursue a case within a reasonable timeframe or not adequately preparing for court appearances. Furthermore, an attorney must follow client instructions unless those instructions would lead to an unethical or illegal outcome. If an attorney deviates from these obligations and the client suffers harm as a result, that could indeed constitute legal malpractice in Arizona.

While excessive billing practices can raise ethical concerns and potentially lead to disciplinary actions, they do not directly align with the concept of legal malpractice, which is fundamentally about failure in professional conduct affecting the client's legal matter. Failing to file taxes on time is generally considered a personal or professional oversight rather than an issue of legal malpractice unless it directly affects the client's case. Similarly, providing pro bono services, while commendable, cannot be classified as malpractice but is seen as a positive contribution to the legal profession and the community.