Handling a Legal Malpractice Case Pro Se
When 48-year-old Carlos Mendoza lost a major personal injury case, he thought it was just bad luck. But after reviewing what happened, he realized his lawyer had never filed key evidence and missed several court deadlines. His case hadn’t been lost on the facts — it had been lost because his lawyer failed him.
Carlos decided to file a legal malpractice lawsuit. He couldn’t find a lawyer to represent him, so he turned to Courtroom5 — and held his former attorney accountable in court.
The Breach
Carlos was seriously injured in a car accident. He hired a lawyer and trusted that the case was being handled properly. But months passed without updates. When the trial came, his lawyer was unprepared, missed filing deadlines, and failed to introduce medical records.
The court ruled against Carlos. When he requested his file, he discovered glaring errors and unanswered discovery. A friend told him he might have a legal malpractice claim.
He signed up for the Pro Se Litigator Plan at Courtroom5.
Building the Case With Courtroom5
Carlos used the Personal Practice of Law — a 5-step AI-powered process — to take on his former lawyer.
Step 1: Choosing the Procedure
Courtroom5 helped Carlos file a civil complaint for legal malpractice, showing that:
- The lawyer owed him a duty.
- That duty was breached.
- The breach caused him to lose his case.
- He suffered damages as a result.
Step 2: Reviewing the Rules
Courtroom5’s AI pulled up his state’s rules of civil procedure and statute of limitations for malpractice claims. Carlos learned what elements to include and how to properly serve the defendant.
Step 3: Fact Pattern Analysis
Carlos outlined his key facts:
- He hired the defendant for a car accident claim.
- The lawyer missed deadlines and failed to submit evidence.
- The case was dismissed, and Carlos lost compensation for his injuries.
Courtroom5 helped him link each fact to the required legal elements.
Step 4: Legal Research
Using AI-generated keywords like “legal malpractice elements” and “lawyer negligence case dismissed,” Carlos found cases where courts ruled in favor of clients harmed by poor representation. Courtroom5 summarized them in plain language.
Step 5: Document Generation
Carlos generated a clear, professional complaint with:
- Factual allegations
- Legal claims
- Supporting case law
He followed Courtroom5’s instructions to file and serve the complaint correctly.
Overcoming Challenges
The defense filed a motion to dismiss, claiming Carlos couldn’t prove causation. Courtroom5 helped him:
- Summarize the motion in plain language
- Choose the procedure “oppose motion to dismiss”
- Update his fact pattern and arguments
- Find case law supporting the need for a full trial
The judge denied the motion. Carlos was allowed to proceed.
Discovery and Summary Judgment
Carlos used Courtroom5 to request:
- His original case file
- Internal emails from the lawyer’s firm
- Court transcripts
The documents confirmed his attorney failed to prepare. Carlos used this in his opposition to summary judgment, again generated with help from Courtroom5. The judge ruled that the case should go to trial.
Settlement Before Trial
Facing strong evidence, the law firm offered a settlement. Carlos received compensation that helped him cover lost medical costs and damages. More importantly, he had held his former lawyer accountable.
What Carlos Learned
Carlos started with no legal background. But Courtroom5 helped him:
- Understand civil procedure
- Analyze his case facts
- Research malpractice law
- Create strong legal documents
- Make good decisions at every step
The Personal Practice of Law helped him achieve justice on his own.
You Can Do It Too
If your lawyer failed you, and you can’t find new representation, you’re not out of options. Courtroom5 gives you the tools to fight back — even in a legal malpractice claim.
Start your Personal Practice of Law today. You deserve accountability — and Courtroom5 helps you get it.