Protecting Your Practice in the Capital
At Kouwenhoven & Associates Inc., we understand the high expectations and complex risks that law firms in Washington, D.C. face. Whether your practice handles litigation, real estate transactions, or lobbying, you operate in one of the most scrutinized legal environments in the country—which means your insurance needs are anything but ordinary.
Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, Professional Liability Insurance protects your business in the event of a negligent act, error, or omission that could threaten your reputation and financial stability.
With over 30 years of experience serving law firms exclusively, we offer tailored professional liability coverage backed by a wide network of carriers. Whether you’re a solo attorney in Georgetown or leading a mid-sized firm on K Street, we’ll help you find the right protection at a competitive cost—so you can focus on delivering trusted, professional service with confidence.
Why Professional Liability Insurance Is Essential
As an attorney practicing in Washington, D.C., you’re well aware that the legal profession operates under intense scrutiny. Clients in the nation’s capital often come with high expectations—and even higher stakes. From federal regulatory matters to politically sensitive litigation, even a small error can lead to serious repercussions for your clients and your small business.
While D.C. does not require attorneys to carry professional liability insurance, the D.C. Bar strongly encourages it—and for good reason. In a region where reputation and credibility carry significant weight, this form of coverage is more than a safeguard; it’s a professional imperative.
Here’s why professional liability insurance is essential for D.C.-based law firms:
1. Protect Your Reputation
Shield your practice from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions that could damage your standing in a highly competitive legal market.
2. Financial Security
Legal defense, settlements, and judgments can be costly. Professional liability insurance provides the financial protection needed to keep your firm secure, even when the unexpected happens.
3. Client Confidence
In a city where legal counsel is often tied to policy, politics, or complex regulations, clients expect accountability. Maintaining comprehensive liability coverage demonstrates your firm’s dedication to customer service and builds lasting client trust.
Comprehensive Coverage for Your Practice
While law firms in Washington, D.C. don’t operate like many other types of businesses, the need for proper insurance is just as critical—if not more so.
As an attorney in the District, you face distinct professional risks that extend far beyond the courtroom. From missed deadlines to allegations of ethical violations, even a small misstep can lead to significant financial and reputational damage. That’s why comprehensive liability insurance is essential.
At Kouwenhoven & Associates Inc., our professional liability insurance for attorneys is specifically designed to address the risks that come with delivering legal services in a high-stakes, high-visibility environment. Our coverage includes:
- Claims of Negligence
- Errors & Omissions (E&O)
- Malpractice
Whether you’re part of a boutique practice in Capitol Hill or a large firm handling federal matters downtown, our insurance coverages are tailored to fit your size, focus areas, and exposure. We offer several types of professional liability insurance designed specifically for attorneys, including protection against negligence, errors, and malpractice.
When paired with other essential types of coverage—like employment practices liability or cyber liability—our policies provide the comprehensive protection D.C. law firms need to thrive in one of the most dynamic legal markets in the country.
What Does Professional Liability Insurance Cover?
In Washington, D.C., legal work often involves sensitive, high-stakes issues—from regulatory compliance to complex litigation. Even when an insured professional does everything right, a client’s perception of a mistake can still lead to a claim.
There are many ways a matter can go off track, and even minor oversights can trigger serious allegations, including:
- Miscommunication
- Clerical errors
- Mistakes in Case Handling
- Missed deadlines
- Breach of confidentiality
- Conflict of interest
- Case neglect
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- And more
In many cases, it’s not about whether the mistake occurred—it’s about whether the client believes it did. In a legal market as sensitive as D.C., that perception alone can put your practice at risk.
Professional liability insurance helps protect your law firm from the financial fallout of these situations. This coverage typically includes defense costs, settlements, and judgments related to claims arising from covered incidents—allowing you to continue operating with confidence, even in the face of unexpected legal challenges.
The Kouwenhoven Advantage
At Kouwenhoven & Associates Inc., we take pride in being liability insurance experts—offering tailored business insurance solutions built specifically for law firms. With over 30 years of experience and deep industry knowledge, we understand the unique risks that come with practicing law in Washington, D.C.
Our mission is simple: to protect firms like yours from the financial and reputational fallout of malpractice claims, professional errors, and complex legal disputes. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing a growing team, we provide personalized guidance, responsive service, and access to top-rated carriers to ensure your firm stays protected in a high-stakes environment.
Expertise in Professional Legal Liability
Our exclusive focus on professional liability coverage for law firms gives us deep insight into the specific risks attorneys face in Washington, D.C. With this understanding, we design insurance solutions tailored to your firm’s size, structure, and area of practice. We also help you evaluate the costs of professional liability coverage in a meaningful way—factoring in your caseload, risk exposure, and long-term goals—so you're neither over-insured nor left vulnerable.
Wide Range of Carriers
As an independent insurance agency, we aren’t tied to a single provider. Instead, we work with a broad network of insurance companies to give your firm a variety of options. Whether you’re a solo attorney handling administrative matters or part of a multi-attorney firm focused on litigation, we’ll find coverage that fits your needs and your budget.
Personalized Service
At Kouwenhoven & Associates Inc., client care isn’t an add-on—it’s part of how we do business. From evaluating your firm’s risk profile to guiding you through the claims or renewal process, we’re committed to making every step straightforward and stress-free. You can count on us to be your trusted partner in protecting your practice, so you can focus on serving your clients with confidence.
