What is required in a complaint to show negligence?

To establish negligence in a legal complaint, it is essential to demonstrate that the attorney failed to meet the standard of care expected in a particular situation. An expert affidavit stating one act of negligence serves this purpose effectively. This affidavit typically involves the opinion of a qualified expert who can articulate how the attorney's conduct fell below the professional standard, thereby demonstrating negligence.

This requirement stems from the need to provide evidence that is relevant and contextually informed, which a layperson might not possess. The expert's input clarifies the complexities that can often surround legal practice and helps establish a clear connection between the attorney's actions and the claimed harm. The involvement of an expert lends credibility to the claim and assists the court in navigating the specific professional standards applicable in legal malpractices.

In this context, the other options do not fulfill the necessary requirements to substantiate a negligence claim. Prior misconduct may be relevant in some cases, but it does not directly support the current claim. Testimony from the client alone may lack the technical insight needed to establish negligence, as clients might not clearly understand the legal standards at play. A list of cases handled by the attorney does not demonstrate whether any particular negligence occurred in the representation at issue. Thus, the affidavit provides the needed expert