What Is the Statute of Limitations for Legal Malpractice in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 1 year under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(c).
Legal malpractice Deadlines in Tennessee
How long do you have to file a legal malpractice claim in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 1 year under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(c). The full rule is: 1 Year (5-yr repose).
When does the clock start for legal malpractice in Tennessee?
One year, and the statute says expressly that it applies whether the claim sounds in contract or tort.
Can the Tennessee deadline for legal malpractice be extended?
Subsection (c)(2) adds a five-year statute of repose from the act or omission, except where the defendant fraudulently concealed the claim — in which case the action must be commenced within one year after discovery.
Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Tennessee?
Often, yes. Suit within 12 months under the GTLA under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-20-305. The Governmental Tort Liability Act requires suit within twelve months after the cause of action arises. Because the ordinary personal-injury period in Tennessee is already only one year, the GTLA deadline does not shorten it the way it does in most states — b…
How does Tennessee compare to other states for legal malpractice?
Tennessee's 1 year is among the shortest 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 Tennessee:
