AL SB196

Requires plaintiffs in legal service liability actions to include in their complaint a detailed specification and factual description of each act and omission alleged to render the legal service provider liable, including date, time, and place when feasible.

Authorizes courts to dismiss complaints that fail to provide the required detailed specification and prohibits parties from conducting discovery or introducing trial evidence regarding unspecified acts or omissions.

Clarifies that the statute of limitations for legal service liability actions begins to run on the date the alleged act or omission occurred, not on the date any subsequent legal injury ensued, with a two-year filing deadline and four-year outside limit.

Establishes that Alabama law applies to legal service liability actions where legal services were substantially conducted in Alabama and the breach of care occurred in Alabama, unless parties have a written choice of law agreement that is express and conspicuous (or express if in a standard-form contract).

Takes effect October 1, 2024.