Legal Malpractice

Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney’s negligence, misconduct, or breach of duty causes harm to a client.
Texas courts have made clear that “legal malpractice” is a broad term — it includes any claim brought by a client against their lawyer, whether the issue involves:

  • Negligence
  • ​Breach of contract
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Fraud or misrepresentation
  • Violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)

In short, if a lawyer’s actions or failures caused you harm, you may have a valid malpractice claim.

Common Examples of Legal Malpractice

Legal Malpractice can happen in any practice area — civil, criminal, immigration, personal injury, family, business law, and more.
Some common examples include:

  • Missing filing deadlines or statutes of limitations
  • Failing to communicate material facts or obtain client consent
  • Mismanaging court calendars or key events
  • Conducting inadequate discovery or investigations
  • Failing to designate appropriate experts or witnesses
  • Drafting faulty contracts, agreements, or pleadings
  • Conflicts of interest — putting the lawyer’s own interests ahead of the client’s
  • Overbilling or other unethical conduct
  • Failing to diligently pursue the client’s case

​These mistakes can derail lawsuits, weaken a client’s position, or even cause the loss of valuable claims.

Experience and Insight Matters

DaSean Jones, a seasoned trial lawyer and former district judge, brings decades of combined courtroom experience and a justice-driven approach to each legal malpractice case. We understand both sides of the courtroom — and we know how to demonstrate when an attorney’s breach of duty directly harmed a client.

Time Limits for Bringing a Claim

Act quickly. Legal malpractice claims are subject to strict deadlines, called statutes of limitation:

  • Two years in Texas for most negligence-based claims, misrepresentation, and DTPA violations
  • Four years for claims based on fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, or breach of contract

In many cases, the clock begins when the client knew or should have known that malpractice occurred. Missing these deadlines may bar you from recovery. Some exceptions can extend the time limit, but it’s best to seek counsel as soon as you suspect malpractice.

Why Choose Jones Injury Law Group

Clients trust us because we offer:

  • A battle-tested trial lawyer with experience on both the bench and in the trenches of litigation
  • A client-centered approach focused on transparency, communication, and aggressive pursuit of your rights
  • A commitment to restoring your confidence in the legal system by holding negligent lawyers accountable​​

What to Do If You are a Victim of Legal Malpractice

Document the Details 

  • Write down as much information as you can about what happened:
  • The name of the lawyer and their law firm
  • Key dates (for example, when you hired them, court deadlines, when you discovered the problem)
  • A clear description of what went wrong (missed deadlines, lack of communication, conflicts of interest, etc.)

Gather and Preserve Evidence

  • Keep all relevant materials, including:
  • Engagement letters, contracts, and fee agreements
  • Emails, letters, texts, or voicemails between you and the lawyer
  • Court filings, orders, or pleadings related to your case
  • Receipts, invoices, or billing statements
  • Any documents that show deadlines were missed or mistakes were made

Tip: Do not alter or discard any original documents — even if you’re upset or frustrated.

Avoid Further Contact with the Malpracticing Lawyer

Once you suspect malpractice, be cautious in further communication with the lawyer or their firm. Avoid signing new agreements, settlements, or releases without independent legal advice.

Consult an Experienced Legal Malpractice Attorney

Reach out promptly to a knowledgeable and ethical attorney who handles legal malpractice claims. They can:

  • Evaluate whether your previous lawyer’s actions fell below the professional standard of care
  • Determine if you have a valid claim under Texas law
  • Take timely action to protect your rights before the statute of limitations expires

Act Quickly.  Texas law sets strict deadlines for bringing malpractice claims — often as short as two years from when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. Delaying could cost you the ability to recover damages.

Call Jones Injury Law Group at (713) 714-6519 or request a consultation online to find out whether you have a legal malpractice claim.