What Is the Statute of Limitations for Legal Malpractice in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 6 years under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1.
Legal malpractice Deadlines in New Jersey
How long do you have to file a legal malpractice claim in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 6 years under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1.
When does the clock start for legal malpractice in New Jersey?
Six years — New Jersey is unusually generous here compared with the one and two-year windows most states apply.
Can the New Jersey deadline for legal malpractice be extended?
The clock generally runs from when the client suffers actual damage and knows or should know of the attorney's fault. Because this rests on case law applying the general section rather than a dedicated statute, confirm before relying on it.
Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in New Jersey?
Often, yes. Notice of tort claim within 90 days under N.J.S.A. § 59:8-8. The New Jersey Tort Claims Act requires a notice of claim to be filed with the public entity within 90 days of accrual. The notice does not replace the two-year limitations period — both must be met, and the suit generally cannot be filed until the entity has…
How does New Jersey compare to other states for legal malpractice?
New Jersey's 6 years is among the longest in the country. 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 New Jersey:
