Is it legal malpractice if the lawyer agreed to a settlement against my express directions?
Yes. Your lawyer must abide by your wishes when it comes to deciding whether to accept a settlement. However, if your attorney is experienced with your type of lawsuit, he or she probably recognizes a good settlement offer. You may want to carefully consider your attorney's advice.
If you still believe you got the short end of the deal because your attorney mishandled your case, consult with an experienced legal malpractice attorney right away.