Professional Liability Claims Against Accountants: Assessing and Defending Claims
Mitigating Malpractice Liability and Avoiding Regulatory Actions and Private Litigation
Recording of a 90-minute CLE webinar with Q&A
This CLE course will prepare counsel to assess professional liability risks for accountants, understand emerging liability theories, and respond to and provide a strong defense to accountant malpractice claims, regulatory enforcement and private litigation.
Outline
- Professional liability claims against accountants
- Regulatory enforcement (PCAOB, SEC)
- Accountant litigation
- Considerations in assessing alleged claims
- Defenses to claims against accountants
- Contributory negligence
- Estoppel
- Statute of limitations
- Proximate cause
- “Unclean hands” or in pari delicto defense
- Deepening insolvency
- Business judgment rule
- Recent developments
Benefits
The panel will review these and other key issues:
- Emerging theories of professional liability asserted against accountants and accounting firms
- Best practices when defending accountants against such claims
- Criteria for practitioners to assess the basis of claims
Faculty

Michael Braverman
Partner
RSM US
Mr. Braverman focuses on accounting and auditor malpractice, white collar matters, SEC and internal investigations,... | Read More
Mr. Braverman focuses on accounting and auditor malpractice, white collar matters, SEC and internal investigations, forensic accounting, M&A disputes, and assisting companies with complex accounting matters and financial restatements. For more than 25 years, he has provided expert and litigation consulting, accounting and auditing, and M&A advisory services.
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A. Neil Hartzell
Shareholder
LeClairRyan
Mr. Hartzell focuses his practice on representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil litigation... | Read More
Mr. Hartzell focuses his practice on representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil litigation matters including commercial disputes and claims involving accountants, attorneys and design professionals, as well as governmental investigations. He has appeared before state and municipal boards and agencies, and served as lead counsel in major cases involving professional liability.
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Ben N. Dunlap
Partner
LeClairRyan
Mr. Dunlap focuses his practice on complex civil litigation. He represents financial institutions, construction... | Read More
Mr. Dunlap focuses his practice on complex civil litigation. He represents financial institutions, construction and design firms, insurance companies, and other businesses in a wide variety of matters, including commercial disputes, lender liability claims, professional liability claims, and insurance coverage matters.
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