The four general areas of attorney malpractice are negligent errors, negligence in the professional relationship, fee disputes, and claims filed by an adversary or nonclient against an attorney.  Attorneys must conform to standards of conduct recognized by the profession.  E.g. Rules of Professional Conduct established by respective state bar associations and the American Bar Association. 

An attorney has the duty, in all dealings and relations with a client, to act with honesty, in good faith, fairness, and integrity. An attorney must possess the legal skill and knowledge that is ordinarily possessed by members of the profession.

Attorney malpractice can result in civil or criminal suits and disciplinary actions by the governing attorney state bar association.