legal malpractice claim (Colorado) · Go Syfert
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legal malpractice claim in Colorado

21 Colorado opinions name it 2 courts 1995–2025 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Colorado courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (18)

CaseFollowedCited
Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation v. Holland & Hartgreen
coloctapp · 1992 · cited in 4 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1995–2015
2 sentences

1995A legal malpractice claim should be limited to the attorney-client relationship because of the duty that an attorney owes "to his client to employ that degree of knowledge, skill, and judgment ordinarily possessed by members of the legal profession in carrying out the services for his client." Temple Hoyne Buell v. Holland & Hart, 851 P.2d 192, 198 (Colo. App.1992).

1995A legal malpractice claim should be limited to the attorney-client relationship because of the duty that an attorney oWes “to his client to employ that degree of knowledge, skill, and judgment ordinarily possessed by members of the legal profession in carrying out the services for his client.” Temple Hoyne Buell v. Holland & Hart, 851 P.2d 192, 198 (Colo.App.1992).

24
Stone v. Satrianagreen
colo · 2002 · cited in 3 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2005–2006
2 sentences

2006See Stone, supra. As a matter of law, to establish a legal malpractice claim, three elements must be proved: (1) the attorney owed a duty of care to the plaintiff; (2) the attorney breached that duty; and (8) the attorney proximately caused damage to the plaintiff.

2005Stone v. Satriana, 41 P.3d 705 (Colo.2002); Brown v. Silvern, 45 P.3d 749 (Colo.App.2001).

23
Bebo Construction Co. v. Mattox & O'Brien, P.C.green
colo · 1999 · cited in 2 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2001–2013
2 sentences

2013Bebo Const. Co. v. Mattox & O'Brien, P.C., 990 P.2d 78, 83 (Colo.1999); Bristol Co. v. Osman, 190 P.3d 752, 755 (Colo.App.2007).

2001Bebo Construction Co. v. Mattox & O'Brien, P.C., 990 P.2d 78 (Colo.1999).

12
BSLNI, Inc. v. Russ T. Diamonds, Inc.green
coloctapp · 2012 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025Diamonds, Inc., 2012 COA 214, ¶ 13 (noting that the standard used to resolve 21 a motion for judgment on the pleadings is consistent with the standard used to resolve a Rule 12(b)(5) motion to dismiss). ¶ 44 To establish a legal malpractice claim based on negligence, a plaintiff must prove that (1) the attorney owed a duty of care to the plaintiff; (2) the attorney breached that duty; (3) the breach caused an injury to the plaintiff; and (4) damages resulted.

11
Hopp & Flesch, LLC v. Backstreetgreen
colo · 2005 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
2 sentences

2019See *160 Hopp & Flesch, LLC v. Backstreet , 123 P.3d 1176 , 1183 (Colo. 2005).

2019See , e.g. , Hopp & Flesch, LLC , 123 P.3d at 1183 ; Lombard v. Colo. Outdoor Educ.

11
Lombard v. Colorado Outdoor Education Center, Inc.green
coloctapp · 2011 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
1 sentence

2017Ctr., Inc., 266 P.3d 412, 421 (Colo. App. 2011)(“An attorney’s attempt to refer to insurance coverage or a lack thereof at trial is improper.”). 25 ¶ 60 Fourth, a delay between the original injury and a legal malpractice claim is common, which could hurt the client’s opportunity to gather evidence about collectibility.

11
Schmidt v. Coogangreen
wash · 2014 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
1 sentence

2017See Schmidt, 335 P.3d at 429 .

11
First Interstate Bank of Denver, N.A. v. Berenbaumgreen
coloctapp · 1994 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015See First Interstate Bank of Denver v. Berenbaum, 872 P.2d 1297 (Colo.App.1993) ; Temple Hoyne Buell Found. v. Holland & Hart, 851 P.2d 192 (Colo.App.1992). ¶ 37 For example, in Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation, 851 P.2d at 194 , the defendant attorneys had drafted a contract for the plaintiffs that the other contracting party later asserted was unenforceable for violating the rule against perpetuities.

11
Bristol Co., LP v. Osmangreen
coloctapp · 2007 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
1 sentence

2013Bebo Const. Co. v. Mattox & O'Brien, P.C., 990 P.2d 78, 83 (Colo.1999); Bristol Co. v. Osman, 190 P.3d 752, 755 (Colo.App.2007).

11
Purmal v. Robert N. Wadington & Associatesgreen
illappct · 2004 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Howard Corp. v. Skimmer, Wilson, Strickland, Hardy & Benson, 172 Ga.App. 446 , 3283 S.E.2d 664 , 665 (1984); Purmal v. Robert N. Wadington & Assocs., 354 Ill.App.3d 715 , 289 Ill.Dec. 578 , 820 N.E.2d 86, 95 (2004); Bru-nacini v. Kovanagh, 117 N.M. 122 , 869 P.2d 821, 829 (Ct.App.19983); Goggin v. Grimes, 969 S.W.2d 135, 138 (Tex.App.1998).

2008Howard Corp. v. Skimmer, Wilson, Strickland, Hardy & Benson, 172 Ga.App. 446 , 3283 S.E.2d 664 , 665 (1984); Purmal v. Robert N. Wadington & Assocs., 354 Ill.App.3d 715 , 289 Ill.Dec. 578 , 820 N.E.2d 86, 95 (2004); Bru-nacini v. Kovanagh, 117 N.M. 122 , 869 P.2d 821, 829 (Ct.App.19983); Goggin v. Grimes, 969 S.W.2d 135, 138 (Tex.App.1998).

11
Goggin v. Grimesgreen
texapp · 1998 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
1 sentence

2008Howard Corp. v. Skimmer, Wilson, Strickland, Hardy & Benson, 172 Ga.App. 446 , 3283 S.E.2d 664 , 665 (1984); Purmal v. Robert N. Wadington & Assocs., 354 Ill.App.3d 715 , 289 Ill.Dec. 578 , 820 N.E.2d 86, 95 (2004); Bru-nacini v. Kovanagh, 117 N.M. 122 , 869 P.2d 821, 829 (Ct.App.19983); Goggin v. Grimes, 969 S.W.2d 135, 138 (Tex.App.1998).

11
Brunacini v. Kavanaghgreen
nmctapp · 1993 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Howard Corp. v. Skimmer, Wilson, Strickland, Hardy & Benson, 172 Ga.App. 446 , 3283 S.E.2d 664 , 665 (1984); Purmal v. Robert N. Wadington & Assocs., 354 Ill.App.3d 715 , 289 Ill.Dec. 578 , 820 N.E.2d 86, 95 (2004); Bru-nacini v. Kovanagh, 117 N.M. 122 , 869 P.2d 821, 829 (Ct.App.19983); Goggin v. Grimes, 969 S.W.2d 135, 138 (Tex.App.1998).

2008By that time, [the client] should have known, or should have diligently taken steps to discover, the existence of a legal malpractice claim. 111 F.R.D. at 363 ; see also Andrews v. Wade & De Young, Inc., P.C., 875 P.2d 89, 91 (Alaska 1994)("A cause of action for attorney malpractice does not mature [under Alaska Civil Rule 13(a) ] until 'the client discovers or reasonably should have discovered the existence of all the elements of his cause of action.'" (quoting Wettanen v. Cowper, 749 P.2d 362, 364 (Alaska 1988))); Brunacini, 869 P.2d at 826 (a cause of action for legal malpractice is deemed

11
Andrews v. Wade & De Young, Inc., P.C.green
alaska · 1994 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
1 sentence

2008By that time, [the client] should have known, or should have diligently taken steps to discover, the existence of a legal malpractice claim. 111 F.R.D. at 363 ; see also Andrews v. Wade & De Young, Inc., P.C., 875 P.2d 89, 91 (Alaska 1994)("A cause of action for attorney malpractice does not mature [under Alaska Civil Rule 13(a) ] until 'the client discovers or reasonably should have discovered the existence of all the elements of his cause of action.'" (quoting Wettanen v. Cowper, 749 P.2d 362, 364 (Alaska 1988))); Brunacini, 869 P.2d at 826 (a cause of action for legal malpractice is deemed

11
Morrison v. Goffgreen
coloctapp · 2003 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
1 sentence

2008For statute of limitations purposes, a legal malpractice claim accrues "when the client discovers, or through use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the negligent conduct and damage." Morrison v. Goff, 74 P.3d 409, 411 (Colo.App.2008), aff'd, 91 P.3d 1050 (Colo.2004).

11
Law Offices of Jerris Leonard v. Mideast Systems, Ltd.green
dcd · 1986 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008See Law Offices of Jerris Leonard, P.C. v. Mideast Sys, Ltd., 111 F.R.D. 359, 361 (D.D.C. 1986)("[I]t is hard to imagine a clearer compulsory counterclaim to a complaint for failure to pay legal fees than a legal malpractice claim stemming from the handling of the litigation for which fees are sought."); B.J.

2008By that time, [the client] should have known, or should have diligently taken steps to discover, the existence of a legal malpractice claim. 111 F.R.D. at 363 ; see also Andrews v. Wade & De Young, Inc., P.C., 875 P.2d 89, 91 (Alaska 1994)("A cause of action for attorney malpractice does not mature [under Alaska Civil Rule 13(a) ] until 'the client discovers or reasonably should have discovered the existence of all the elements of his cause of action.'" (quoting Wettanen v. Cowper, 749 P.2d 362, 364 (Alaska 1988))); Brunacini, 869 P.2d at 826 (a cause of action for legal malpractice is deemed

11
Wettanen v. Cowpergreen
alaska · 1988 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
1 sentence

2008By that time, [the client] should have known, or should have diligently taken steps to discover, the existence of a legal malpractice claim. 111 F.R.D. at 363 ; see also Andrews v. Wade & De Young, Inc., P.C., 875 P.2d 89, 91 (Alaska 1994)("A cause of action for attorney malpractice does not mature [under Alaska Civil Rule 13(a) ] until 'the client discovers or reasonably should have discovered the existence of all the elements of his cause of action.'" (quoting Wettanen v. Cowper, 749 P.2d 362, 364 (Alaska 1988))); Brunacini, 869 P.2d at 826 (a cause of action for legal malpractice is deemed

11
Shaw v. State, Department of Administration, Public Defender Agencygreen
alaska · 1991 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
1 sentence

2005See, e.g., id. (noting concern that attorneys might produce privileged evidence harmful to defendant’s pursuit of postconviction relief in the course of defending against malpractice suit and "the desirability of allowing a criminal defendant with a valid postconviction relief claim to pursue that remedy without the distraction of also filing a legal malpractice claim”). 4 .

11
Morris v. Geergreen
coloctapp · 1986 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Colorado. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (14)

CaseCitedYears
Gibbons v. Ludlow green
colo · 2013
2 sentences

2021Gibbons v. Ludlow, 2013 CO 49, ¶ 12 ; Boulders at Escalante LLC v. Otten Johnson Robinson Neff & Ragonetti PC, 2015 COA 85 , ¶ 27.

2015Gibbons v. Ludlow, 2013 CO 49 , ¶ 12, 304 P.3d 239 ; Bebo Constr.

22015–2021
Roberts v. Holland & Hart green
coloctapp · 1993
2 sentences

2013Id.

2008The Essex court also analyzed Roberts v. Holland & Hart, 857 P.2d at 495-96 , in which a division of this court held that the assignment of a legal malpractice claim would undermine the vital relationship between an attorney and client, unduly burden the justice system, and restrict the availability of competent legal services.

22008–2013
Allen v. Steele green
colo · 2011
1 sentence

2019Allen v. Steele , 252 P.3d 476 , 481 (Colo. 2011). ¶19 A legal malpractice claim founded on professional negligence asserts that an attorney breached his or her professional duty of care in a way that proximately injured a client.

12019–2019
Coon v. Ginsberg green
coloctapp · 1973
1 sentence

2017Coon held that the plaintiff had to prove that “the amount of that judgment would have been more favorable to [her] than the settlement arranged by [her attorney].” 32 Colo. App. at 210 , 509 P.2d at 1295.

12017–2017
MEHAFFY, RIDER, WINDHOLZ ETC. v. Cent. Bank green
colo · 1995
2 sentences

2011It dismissed their negligent misrepresentation claim because the Steeles did not allege the "special circumstances" that were present in Mehaffy, Rider, Windholz & Wilson v. Central Bank Denver, 892 P.2d 230 (Colo. 1995), in which attorneys prepared opinion letters to induce a third party's participation in a business transaction, at the direction of and for the benefit of the attorneys' client.

2011It dismissed their negligent misrepresentation claim because the Steeles did not allege the "special cireumstances" that were present in Mehaffy, Rider, Windholz & Wilson v. Central Bank Denver, 892 P.2d 230 (Colo.1995), in which attorneys prepared opinion letters to induce a third party's participation in a business transaction, at the direction of and for the benefit of the attorneys' client.

12011–2011
Essex Insurance v. Tyler green
cod · 2004
1 sentence

2008Essex, 309 F.Supp.2d at 1273 .

12008–2008
BJ HOWARD CORPORATION v. Skinner, Wilson, Strickland, Hardy & Benson green
gactapp · 1984
1 sentence

2008Howard Corp. v. Skimmer, Wilson, Strickland, Hardy & Benson, 172 Ga.App. 446 , 3283 S.E.2d 664 , 665 (1984); Purmal v. Robert N. Wadington & Assocs., 354 Ill.App.3d 715 , 289 Ill.Dec. 578 , 820 N.E.2d 86, 95 (2004); Bru-nacini v. Kovanagh, 117 N.M. 122 , 869 P.2d 821, 829 (Ct.App.19983); Goggin v. Grimes, 969 S.W.2d 135, 138 (Tex.App.1998).

12008–2008
Morrison v. Goff green
colo · 2004
1 sentence

2008For statute of limitations purposes, a legal malpractice claim accrues "when the client discovers, or through use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the negligent conduct and damage." Morrison v. Goff, 74 P.3d 409, 411 (Colo.App.2008), aff'd, 91 P.3d 1050 (Colo.2004).

12008–2008
Smith v. Truman green
colo · 2005
1 sentence

2005This is the situation we encountered in the companion case also decided today, Smith v. Truman, - P.3d -, 2005 WL 452283 (Colo.2005).

12005–2005
Moguls of Aspen, Inc. v. Faegre & Benson green
coloctapp · 1997
1 sentence

2005Moguls of Aspen, Inc. v. Faegre & Benson, 956 P.2d 618 (Colo.App.1997).

12005–2005
Brown v. Silvern green
coloctapp · 2001
1 sentence

2005Stone v. Satriana, 41 P.3d 705 (Colo.2002); Brown v. Silvern, 45 P.3d 749 (Colo.App.2001).

12005–2005
Waldman v. Levine green
dc · 1988
1 sentence

2002Id.

12002–2002
In Matter of Estate of Scott green
coloctapp · 1987
1 sentence

2000See Morris v. Geer, supra ; In re Estate of Scott, supra. Consequently, his contingent claim against the estate arose at that time, and he was required by statute to present it within four months, thereby preserving it while allowing for effective administration of the estate.

12000–2000
Boatright v. Derr green
colo · 1996
11997–1997

Statutes the citing opinions construe

CO § Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-108 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 301 (1985–2026) NY 248 (1990–2026) IL 199 (1980–2026) OH 158 (1989–2026) NJ 88 (1980–2026) CA 76 (1969–2026) PA 68 (1987–2026) MI 65 (1987–2026) LA 53 (1985–2025) FL 53 (1983–2025) IN 44 (1981–2020) WA 43 (1992–2026) MN 40 (1984–2017) GA 39 (1990–2025) TN 38 (1996–2025) MA 37 (1988–2026) MO 28 (1981–2025) SC 28 (1996–2025) UT 27 (1996–2026) MS 27 (1982–2024) CT 25 (1996–2024) AZ 24 (1984–2026) IA 24 (1989–2026) CO 21 (1995–2025) ID 21 (1995–2026) KS 21 (1990–2026) AL 20 (1982–2025) NM 20 (1997–2025) NV 20 (1996–2025) OR 19 (1988–2025) MT 18 (1995–2026) VA 16 (1988–2026) ME 16 (1996–2020) WI 15 (1991–2025) DC 15 (1990–2024) NC 14 (2003–2022) VT 14 (1992–2025) SD 14 (1983–2023) RI 13 (1997–2017) WY 13 (2002–2026) KY 12 (2007–2024) MD 12 (1995–2024) NE 11 (1995–2026) AK 10 (1992–2025) ND 10 (1990–2024) WV 10 (2003–2021) DE 9 (1996–2025) HI 6 (2001–2026) NH 5 (2010–2019) OK 4 (2000–2025) AR 4 (2003–2025) VI 3 (1991–2014)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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