Can I Sue an Attorney for Malpractice if I Wasn’t a Client?

Sometimes I get calls from potential clients who wonder whether they can sue an attorney if they were not actually that attorney’s client, which raises an interesting question. Generally speaking, in order to maintain an action for legal malpractice, an attorney-client relationship is necessary. That’s the general rule, however, and there is an exception that involves basic contract principles. If you are an intended third party beneficiary of an attorney’s contract with his or her client, you may be able to sue. You will have to be able to prove that the client intended for you to benefit from their relationship with the attorney. This type of concern is most common in the context of estate planning and trust cases.

Do you believe an attorney negligently handled something for you or a family member?  Contact dedicated Media Legal Malpractice Lawyer Patrick Gibson for legal navigation.

This educational video was brought to you by experienced Media Legal Malpractice Lawyer Patrick K. Gibson (Of Counsel). Our law firm proudly represents clients throughout Media, as well as Pennsylvania, the greater Philadelphia area, Delaware and New Jersey.