In recent news from Washington, legal malpractice cases have been on the rise, with several instances of attorney negligence resulting in significant losses for clients. On February 19, 2026, a number of high-profile cases came to light, shedding light on the growing issue of legal professionals failing to meet their obligations to their clients.One such case involved a prominent law firm in Seattle, which was sued for malpractice after mishandling a high-stakes corporate merger. The firm's negligence led to the collapse of the deal, resulting in millions of dollars in financial losses for their client. The plaintiff alleged that the attorneys failed to conduct proper due diligence, misrepresented key information, and ultimately acted in their own self-interest rather than in the best interests of their client.In another instance, a solo practitioner in Spokane was accused of malpractice after botching a real estate transaction for a local business owner. The attorney failed to file the necessary paperwork on time, resulting in the client losing out on a lucrative property investment. The client's lawsuit alleged that the lawyer's negligence cost them not only financial losses but also damaged their reputation in the community.These cases are just a few examples of the growing trend of legal malpractice in Washington. Experts attribute this increase to a combination of factors, including a lack of oversight and accountability within the legal profession, as well as the pressures of an increasingly competitive and fast-paced legal market.In response to these concerns, the Washington State Bar Association has announced plans to step up enforcement of ethical standards and conduct more rigorous oversight of legal professionals. The organization is encouraging clients who believe they have been the victims of legal malpractice to come forward and report any instances of misconduct.As legal malpractice cases continue to rise in Washington, it is essential for clients to be vigilant in selecting their legal representation and to hold their attorneys accountable for any breaches of trust or negligence. By shining a light on these issues and taking action to address them, the legal profession can work towards restoring confidence and trust in the legal system.