What Is the Statute of Limitations for Legal Malpractice in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 2 years under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a).
Legal malpractice Deadlines in Texas
How long do you have to file a legal malpractice claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 2 years under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a).
When does the clock start for legal malpractice in Texas?
Generally two years, applied through the personal-injury period rather than a dedicated statute.
Can the Texas deadline for legal malpractice be extended?
The Hughes tolling doctrine can suspend the period while an underlying litigation matter is on appeal. Because this deadline rests on case law rather than express statutory text, confirm the current position before relying on it.
Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Texas?
Often, yes. Written notice to the governmental unit within 6 months under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101. The Texas Tort Claims Act requires notice to the governmental unit within six months of the incident. A city charter or ordinance may impose a substantially shorter deadline — some as short as 45 to 90 days — and that shorter period controls. The general two-y…
How does Texas compare to other states for legal malpractice?
Texas'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 Texas:
