Which of the following professionals would be most likely to purchase malpractice insurance?

The most likely professional to purchase malpractice insurance is a lawyer. Malpractice insurance, often referred to as professional liability insurance, is designed to protect professionals from claims made by clients alleging negligence or inadequate work. Lawyers, due to the nature of their work, frequently face the risk of lawsuits from clients who may feel that they have been harmed by the attorney's actions or omissions.

In legal practice, clients rely heavily on lawyers for advice and representation, and the stakes can be high. A lawyer can face significant financial loss and reputational damage from a malpractice claim, making it essential for them to have malpractice insurance to safeguard their practice and assets.

While accountants, doctors, and architects also purchase malpractice insurance to protect against claims related to their services, the question prompts for which professional is "most likely," and within this context, lawyers are often emphasized for the necessity of this type of coverage due to the litigious nature of the legal profession. Each of these professionals approaches liability and malpractice risks differently, but the high frequency and impact of claims in the legal field make malpractice insurance especially crucial for lawyers.