What is a cause of action for legal malpractice?

A cause of action for legal malpractice is complete when the following elements exist: "(1) the duty of the attorney to use such skill, prudence, and diligence as members of his or her profession commonly possess and exercise; (2) a breach of that duty; (3) a proximate causal connection between the breach and the resulting injury; and (4) actual loss or damage resulting from the attorney's negligence. [Citations.]" (Coscia v. McKenna & Cuneo (2001) 25 Cal.4th 1194, 1199.)