u/attorney114

Since the early 1970s my practice area, technically litigation, resolves with informal agreements between attorneys or a few hearings 99% of the time. I've handled hundreds of these cases and never been to trial.

But, the rules changed last year, and we think trials will become much more common going forward. Any advice? I can read through our court rules like anyone else, but most of us practitioners seem lost.

EDIT: I'm talking about full-blown jury trials. We attorneys down this way can handle hearings and court filings no problem. Proper trials are so uncommon there are no model instructions, and I don't think anyone even has templates for motions in limine, for example.

Looking for malpractice insurance for the first time, and all the numbers seem too high. Not just deductibles and premiums, but also coverage amounts.

Without getting into specifics, in my practice area, I can see the quotes making sense for relatively more complicated areas of law, but in my field, I cant see a client ever reasonably claiming more than $20,000-$40,000. (Nearly all my cases involve money damages under $20,000, in a business setting.) ALPS is quoting me claim limits for $1 million.

But, I'm completely new to this. Am I delusional? Are the rates what they are and I need to accept? Can I bargain with the carrier? (Not likely.)

Any tips for buying malpractice insurance?

My plan now is to ask some other solo practitioners and small firms what they use. Then get some quotes and compare. But, is there anything else I should know? Thanks.