Attorneys that work for someone else may assume that they are under the corporate professional liability insurance policy that broadly covers the company. In a sense they are correct.

 If an employed counselor-at- law is sued for any professional activity related to the company’s interest they can rely on the associated coverage for protection.

In certain cases, however an employed lawyer may not be protected under the corporate professional liability policy.

This includes the following examples:

• If a lawsuit is filed in regard to professional action not directly aligned with the corporation the lawyer is employed by
  
  
• If the employer goes bankrupt
  
  
• In the event the professional liability insurance limits have been exhausted through previous claims

Professional Liability Insurance for Employed Counsel

A separate professional liability policy designed exclusively for the individual employed counselor-at-law and written on a claims-only basis can protect the lawyer from intrinsic gaps in coverage.

This coverage can shield the attorney in instances where he or she gives and charges for professional advice to other people. It can protect the employed attorney from a lawsuit related to any off-the-cuff or free advice to family, friends or fellow employees or any other professional service that is not related to work – or in scenarios that would be covered by the corporate professional liability when coverage is absent or inaccessible.

For additional information on Employed Counsel Professional Liability, contact the insurance professionals.

PRIME Insurance is a three-generation family-run independent agency. We’re proud to partner with many of the leading underwriters – recognized companies like ACE, AmTRUST, ASI, ASSURANT, CHUBB, CNA, Employers, FOREMOST, Liberty Mutual, MetLife, PROGRESSIVE, Safeco, StillWater, Travelers, USLI, ZURICH and more. This gives us the ability to provide all forms of nationwide coverage and bonds at competitively lowest quotes. Visit us on our online insurance website or email us at PRIME [at] primeins [dot] com or call us at 732-886-5751 and HAVE A PRIME DAY™!

Summary: Yes, the employed attorney is covered under the corporate professional liability policy purchased by his or her boss, but there are instances when this is not enough coverage. Fortunately, there is individual Employed Counsel Professional Liability insurance to tap into.