What Is the Statute of Limitations for Legal Malpractice in Illinois?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 2 years under 735 ILCS 5/13-214.3.
Legal malpractice Deadlines in Illinois
How long do you have to file a legal malpractice claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 2 years under 735 ILCS 5/13-214.3. The full rule is: 2 Years (6-yr repose).
When does the clock start for legal malpractice in Illinois?
Two years after the claimant knew or should have known of the injury, with a six-year outer limit from the act or omission.
Can the Illinois deadline for legal malpractice be extended?
Where the injury does not occur until the death of the person receiving the legal services, the action may be brought within two years of that death.
Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Illinois?
Often, yes. Suit against a local public entity within 1 year under 745 ILCS 10/8-101. The Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act cuts the filing period to one year for civil actions against a local public entity or its employees — half the ordinary two-year personal-injury period. Claims against the State go to the Illi…
How does Illinois compare to other states for legal malpractice?
Illinois's 2 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 18 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for legal malpractice ranges from 1 year to 6 years, and 2 years is the most common. Compare all states →
What Does Legal Malpractice Cover?
Situations that typically fall under the legal malpractice deadline in Illinois:
