I get asked by most lawyers who are cutting back on their practice hours if and how that will affect their legal malpractice insurance premiums.  

Most are surprised when I tell them that it really won’t have much of an impact on pricing this renewal.  Or for the next couple of renewals for that matter.  

Insureds need to keep in mind that your future workload/hours plays only a part in the pricing and underwriting process of your renewal.  

Another much larger part in the underwriting/pricing process is your prior acts coverage/hours.  For example if you have been insured for 10+ years, working 50 hours per week, and this renewal you decide you’re cutting back to 30 hrs per week to spend more time at home.  Granted you will be creating less exposure for the carrier by working 20 hrs per week less but the 50+ hours per week you worked for the last 10+ years doesn’t go away and that exposure to claims still exists.  

Carriers do and will price for that.  Overtime, the reduced hours you work will have an impact on pricing but not in the near future.  

It is always nice to be in a position to work less hours per week, but don’t expect it to have an immediate impact on your malpractice pricing.  Overtime, yes but not immediate.