Legal Insurance Plan Proudly Offered to Heritage Financial Credit Union Employees

Be fully prepared and confident

 with LegalEASE

Learn about legal benefits, a smart option for your protection.

Product Administered By: LegalEASE

LegalEASE can help ease the two biggest stresses -finding and paying for an attorney.

Nobody likes to be caught off guard, especially when it comes to legal matters. Life can be complicated. Finding a good attorney doesn’t have to be. With LegalEASE, it’s easy to choose the best attorney, because you get assistance from highly trained and qualified personal specialists who review the details of local attorneys and help you find your best source for legal advice. Being a LegalEASE insurance plan member saves you time and costly legal fees. But most importantly, it gives you confidence and provides coverage for common legal matters.

With a LegalEASE Insurance plan, you get:

• An attorney with expertise specific to your legal matter
• Access to a national network of attorneys with exceptional experience that are matched to meet your needs
• Coverage for in and out-of-network
• Concierge help finding a better attorney and navigating common individual or family legal issues
• Hours of financial counseling and coaching

We all make some sort of plan in life. But have you ever considered the possibility of a legal problem?

You've graduated from college and are planning for your future - where to get hired, which company will put you on the path to success. Whether to be single or date or settle down, and with the right person. Legal problems can be unexpected and interrupt your plans. LegalEASE provides coverage for your specific legal matter so you won't be caught off guard.

Protect your family’s future, with LegalEASE.

You work hard to make the right choices for your loved ones, especially when it comes to legal and financial matters. Get the peace of mind you want and the protection you need with a LegalEASE Insurance Plan. LegalEASE offers valuable benefits to shield your family and savings from unexpected legal issues.                              

According to the American Bar Association, more than 70 percent of U.S. households will have the need for a lawyer in the next 12 months. And the same study found most consumers feel uncertain about how to tell a good lawyer from a bad one. With LegalEASE you have access to a national network of credentialed attorneys and the help you need to find the best attorney for your legal matter with its concierge service.

The Value of a LegalEASE Plan.

• Home and Residential
• Financial and Money Matters
• Consumer
• Auto and Driving
• Family and Personal 
• Civil Lawsuits
• Estate planning and wills

LegalEASE Plan Coverage

Benefits are designed to meet the typical needs of an employee and their family. There are no deductibles to worry about for covered services. Benefits cover the attorney’s time. Other costs such as filing fees or court costs are not covered. Listed below are the types of matters that are covered by the LegalEASE insurance plan.  This plan offers the convenience of in-network and out-of-network benefits. Many of the below areas are fully covered in-network.

Plan Cost

The LegalEASE Insurance Plan is $21.73 monthly, via payroll deduction.

Who's Covered? 

The  Member’s spouse and Member’s unmarried dependent children, including stepchildren, legally adopted children, children placed in the home for adoption and foster children, up to age 19, and from age 19 up to 26 years if they are enrolled in an accredited school or college as full-time student(s) and are primarily dependent upon the Member for support.

This Policy excludes benefits for the following:Appellate court proceedings, class actions, interventions, derivative action and amicus curiae filings.The preparation and filing of individual, partnership or estate tax returns, appellate or administrative proceedings related to tax returns, litigation before the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court of Claims or any other federal, state or other courts with respect to tax matters.Matters relating to securities, trademark or patent matters; business or commercial interests, including, but not limited to, professional, partnership and/or corporate matters; matters involving the law or laws of jurisdictions other than the United States and its territories [and Canada]; any matters involving a government (domestic or foreign) entity or agency; farm related issues; [matters involving commercial or rental property transactions, including the purchase, sale or lease of investment or income-producing property. A two-family house, whether or not used by the Member as his or her primary residence, is deemed an investment or income-producing property.]Legal services which are fully paid for or provided at no cost by any governmental agency, organization or insurance company.Matters that the attorney deems frivolous, spurious, harassing, or unethical (collectively referred to as “frivolous”) or otherwise prohibited by the Model Rules of Professional Conduct of the state in which the attorney is licensed. Costs associated with covered legal services, including but not limited to, all fines, court costs, penalties, sanctions, expert witness fees, bonds, bail bonds, opposing attorney fees, exhibits, deposition costs, filing fees, transcripts, postage, telephone, photocopying, recording fees, messengers, judgements, jury fees, court reporter fees, investigative costs and all other incidental and out-of-pocket legal and litigation costs.Any services on behalf of a Family Member against the interests of the Member.Any employment-related matter. This includes, but is not limited to, any dispute involving the Member’s employer or its affiliates, their officers or directors, the Member’s employee benefit plans, credit unions, programs or arrangements sponsored by an employer, or cases involving workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, sex harassment, age discrimination, etc. Any dispute or proceeding against the following persons or entities, their officers, directors, employees, or agents: any person or entity involved in the sale of the Policy; Administrator or its subsidiaries; Policyholder; Member’s employer; Virginia Surety Company, Inc. it’s parents, subsidiaries or any affiliated or successor company, plan underwriter or reinsurer; Plan Sponsor; or any Participating and/or Non-Participating Attorney, if the dispute or proceeding pertains to services provided under the Policy.Except regarding [Administrator] Helpline [and Financial and Tax Helpline] services, the Policy will not provide benefits in connection with pre-existing matters, which includes any matter where the Member and/or Family Member is on notice as to a pending legal dispute or has previously contacted an attorney.

COVERED SERVICES

In consideration of payment and receipt by Us of the applicable premium, all Covered Services are available to a Member and the Member’s spouse and eligible dependents. Except as noted below, the following Covered Services are provided to the Member when the Member uses a Participating Attorney. The Schedule of Benefits chart shows the reimbursement schedule when the Member uses a Non-Participating Attorney. 

Advice and Consultation 

LegalEASE Helpline:

Advice and consultation by toll-free telephone with a Plan Attorney. Services are available during normal business hours. Calls can relate to any personal civil legal matter, except those specifically excluded. 

Financial Helpline: 

Consultation by toll-free telephone during normal business hours. Calls can relate to investment strategies, debt matters, or any personal financial planning question. 

Initial Law Office Consultation 

Up to the maximum as shown in the Schedule of Benefits for office consultations with a Participating Attorney on any personal civil legal problem, except those specifically excluded. See Miscellaneous Law Office Services. 

Miscellaneous Law Office Services 

Benefits not specifically covered or excluded hereunder to be provided at an amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year and is subject to Managed Case Rules. 

Review of Simple Document 

The Plan Attorney will verbally explain the meaning or impact of any form or document, or make suggestions for changes to a form or document being drafted of up to the maximum number of pages as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. This benefit does not include a written analysis of any form or document. 

Document Preparation 

Preparation of any of the following documents: simple deed (excluding those reviewed or prepared under the real estate benefit), promissory note, consumer dispute correspondence, installment sales agreement, general power of attorney, lease agreement (tenant only), time share agreement, and simple affidavit. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Consumer Dispute 

Consultation or representation in a dispute relating to consumer goods and services (not involving real estate construction, landlord/tenant disputes or renovation). 

This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Small Claims Court Representation 

Consultation and/or representation for a consumer dispute filed in small claims court. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Will and Codicil Preparation 

Preparation of one simple will or codicil (an amendment to an existing will) for the Member, including the preparation of a simple testamentary support trust for the dependent children: 

Simple Will Preparation: Plan Attorney shall prepare a simple will or codicil for Member and Family Member and discuss the legal requirements for signing the will. 

Complex Will Preparation: Plan Attorney shall prepare a complex will or codicil for Member or Family Member at a discounted fee paid directly to the attorney as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. 

Living Will and/or Health Care Power of Attorney 

Preparation of living will and/or health care power of attorney for Member and/or Family Member as authorized by state law. A living will expresses an individual’s wishes as to the use or withdrawal of life support systems. A health care power of attorney appoints another to make medical decisions if the individual is unable to do so him/herself.  This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Living Trust Document 

Preparation of living trust documents. This benefit does not include services related to transactions to fund the trust or transfer assets into it. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Probate of Small Estate 

The service of an attorney for the probate of a small estate (an estate that is not subject to current state or federal estate taxation) up to the maximum as shown in Schedule of Benefits. 

Real Estate Sale, Purchase or Refinancing of Primary Residence 

The services of an attorney for the purchase, sale, or refinancing of a Member’s primary residence (where Member has resided or intends to reside for twenty-seven (27) weeks or more per year). This service includes the review or preparation of closing documents and/or attendance by the Member’s attorney at closing in situations when it is customary to do so. This benefit does not include services performed by or for a title company, or for an attorney acting on behalf of a lending institution. Home equity loans and the sale or purchase of unimproved or rental properties are not included. 

This benefit is limited to one closing per year and is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. 

Landlord/Tenant Disputes 

Representation of the Member and/or Family Member as a tenant in a dispute with his/her landlord. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year and is subject to Managed Case Rules. 

Debt Collection Defense 

The defense of any dispute involving personal (non-business related) debt. This benefit includes correspondence, negotiating with creditors to arrange a repayment schedule, assistance in limiting harassment by bill collectors, and negotiating settlement after a complaint is filed. This service does not include defense against execution of a court-ordered judgment or efforts to vacate or set aside a judgment. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year. Trial defense benefit is subject to Managed Case Rules. 

Bankruptcy 

Representation on behalf of the Member or Family Member for personal (non-business related) bankruptcy protection under Chapter 7 or 13 of the Internal Revenue Code. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year and is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. 

Foreclosure 

Defense of the Member in an action to foreclose on the Member’s primary residence (where Member has resided or intends to reside twenty-seven (27) weeks or more per year.)  This benefit is limited to one use per year and is subject to Managed Case Rules. 

Tax Audits 

Includes the services of an attorney (but not accounting services) during a personal (non-business related) tax audit process required by federal and state tax authorities and negotiations relating to it. This benefit does not include a defense against criminal charges nor the defense of civil tax litigation in any tax court. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year and is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. This benefit is subject to Managed Case Rules. 

Separation, Divorce, Annulment 

Legal representation of the Member only for up to 10 hours in an uncontested separation, divorce, civil annulment, consent or default divorce. An uncontested separation, divorce or civil annulment does not involve significant disputed issues and the parties resolve any issues prior to any court supervised proceeding. A consent or default divorce does not involve any disputed issues and the opposing party is not represented by counsel. The benefit for uncontested matters does not provide any coverage of an attorney’s fee for: (1) services in excess of 10 hours; the Member must pay the attorney’s fee for services in excess of 10 hours; (2) services relative to post-decree representation; or, (3) contested matters in which case the Member must pay the attorney’s fee for services, unless this Policy provides coverage of contested matters and the benefit shall be in accordance with the Schedule of Benefits. A contested separation, divorce or civil annulment requires more than five (5) hours of attorney time, involves disputed issues and both parties are represented by an attorney. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year (representation seeking or defending against interim or subsequent-to-decree order shall constitute a separate use) and applies to the Member only. This benefit is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. Contested divorce is subject to the Managed Case Rules. 

Name Change 

Services required to accomplish a legal name change for a Member or Family Member. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Guardianship/Conservatorship 

Services required to establish a Member and/or Family Member as the guardian(s) or conservator(s) of another. This benefit does not include contested matters. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Uncontested Adoption 

Legal representation for a Member and/or Family Member of up to five (5) hours in an uncontested governmental agency or stepparent adoption. An uncontested adoption does not involve significant disputed issues. This benefit does not include: (1) contested termination of parental rights; (2) fees for a court-appointed attorney for the child; or (3) adoptions(s) made through any agency other than a governmental agency. A contested adoption requires more than five (5) hours of attorney time and involves disputed issues. If the amount of an attorney’s times for uncontested adoption exceeds five (5) hours, or if the adoption becomes contested, coverage will terminate and the Member and/or Family Member will be responsible for any additional legal fees. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Juvenile Court Matters 

Services related to the representation of the dependent child of a Member and/or Family Member in any juvenile court proceeding, provided the child’s interest is not in conflict with the Member’s and/or Family Member’s interest. This benefit does not cover any matter that falls outside the jurisdiction of juvenile court. This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Civil Litigation Defense 

Services related to the representation of a Member and/or Family Member who is a named defendant in a civil lawsuit (non-business related), up to and including the trial thereof. This benefit does not include: (1) any debt collection or family law matters; (2) lawsuits normally handled on a contingent fee basis; or (3) matters for which the Member has or is required by law to have insurance. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year and is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. This benefit is subject to the Managed Case Rules. 

Traffic Defense 

Services related to the representation of a Member and/or Family Member who is charged by governing authorities with moving traffic violation(s) and conviction could result in suspension or revocation of Member’s and/or Family Member’s drivers’ license. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Administrative Proceeding 

Services related to the representation of a Member and/or Family Member in an administrative proceeding relating to the suspension or revocation of driving privileges. 

This benefit is limited to one use per year. 

Elder Law Services 

Your benefits package includes Elder Law Services as described below. These benefits are in addition to plan services described in your Certificate of Coverage. 

Eligibility of Parents

a) Parents of the Plan Member and the Member’s Spouse, regardless of age, are eligible for benefits under the Elder Law coverage described herein. 

b) The benefits specified below extend not only to the Member’s Parents and the 

Member’s Spouse’s Biological Parents, but their Step-Parents and Adoptive Parents as well. 

Benefits for Elder Parents

a) Advice and Consultation

1. LegalADVISOR Helpline: Member may receive advice and consultation by toll-free telephone with a Plan Attorney. Services are available during normal business hours. Calls can relate to any personal legal matter, civil or criminal. 

2. Financial Helpline: Member will receive consultation by toll-free telephone during normal business hours. Calls can relate to investment strategies, debt matters or any personal financial planning question 

b) Free Simple Wills & Living Wills

1. Simple Will Preparation: Each Eligible Parent, as defined above, may receive one Simple Will per year at no charge. Plan Attorney will prepare the document and discuss the legal requirements for executing the Will. 

Simple Will means the will maker does not have a significant net worth and will not benefit from tax planning, or the estate is not subject to current state or federal estate taxation; the will maker does not own a business that will continue in operation after death; the will maker does not want to put restrictions on what heirs may do with the property; the will maker does not want to leave money to someone in a trust because the person cannot manage his or her own affairs (such as a mentally handicapped child), or does not want the property to be managed by a trustee for a period of time past the child’s age of majority, to age 25 or 30, for example; the will maker does not think that someone will challenge the will; and/or the will maker does not want to exclude any lawful dependents. 

2. Living Will Preparation: Eligible Parents, as defined above, may request one Living Will per year at no charge. Plan Attorney will prepare the document as authorized by state law and discuss the legal requirements for signing the Living Will. 

A Living Will expresses an individual’s wishes as to the use or withdrawal of life support systems. 

d) Additional documents may be prepared for a minimal charge:

1. Additional documents may be prepared for a minimal charge, up to once per year per Eligible Parent, as described above: 

• Healthcare Directive - $45 fee per document
• Financial Power of Attorney - $45 fee per document 
• Durable Power of Attorney - $45 fee per document 
• Healthcare Durable Power of Attorney - $45 fee per document 

Any 3 or more of the above documents may be prepared for a package cost of $115 per set. 

Flat Rate Benefits 

Your benefits package includes benefits that will be covered at a flat rate charged to the member as described below. These benefits are in addition to plan services described in your Certificate of Coverage. Eligible Family Members include spouse and unmarried dependent children, including stepchild, legally adopted child, child placed in the home for adoption and foster child, up to age 19, and from age 19 up to 25 years if they are enrolled in an accredited school or college as full-time student(s) and are primarily dependent upon the Member for support. 

1. Traffic Ticket Defense Flat Rate of $89:

a) Traffic defense generally includes the preparation of court documents and attendance at on a one-time only court hearing to settle the issue. Does not include court costs, fines, additional hearings or other related expenses. Does not apply in jurisdictions that consider traffic offenses to be criminal matters.

2. Preparation of Prenuptial Agreement Flat Rate of $239:

a) This service covers the preparation of an agreement by a Plan Member and his or her fiancé/partner prior to their marriage or legal union (where allowed by law), outlining how property is to be divided in the event of separation, divorce or death of a spouse. Representation is provided only to the Plan Member. The fiancé/partner must have separate counsel or must waive representation. 

To access services, Plan Member or Spouse must call the Member Service Center. 

Identity Theft Prevention/Recovery Assistance 

Coverage includes a basic Identity Theft HelpLine Service as well as a comprehensive Online Identity Theft Prevention and Assistance Service for covered members. 

1. Advice and Consultation

•  Free ½ hour telephonic consultations (4 per year) with a Trained Identity Theft Recovery Specialist (consultations can also be online – member’s choice) 
• Online Assistance in understanding identity theft prevention 
•  Unlimited access to complete identity theft legal issue law libraries 

2. Additional Benefits

• Personal Recovery Kit – designed to walk a victim of identity theft step-by-step through the process of recovery (designed to be utilized in conjunction with the free consultations with the Recovery Specialist). 
•  Free Simple Recovery Letter preparation by plan attorney – a plan attorney will draft the simple affidavits to submit to specific agencies and organizations needed to establish the theft of your identity and prevent further loss of your identity and credit rating. 
• Free Review of necessary recovery legal documents (up to 6 pages each) 

Mediation Services 

Your benefits package includes Mediation Services as described below. These benefits are in addition to plan services described in your Certificate of Coverage. 

1. Consultation Services:

a) Plan members receive unlimited access to online information including domestic disputes, divorce or child custody proceedings, consumer problems, medical bill, warranties, loan disputes, workplace employee disputes, auto accidents, etc.

b) Members receive one free thirty minute consultation with a licensed mediator every quarter.

2. Mediation Counseling Assistance:

a) Assistance is available to assist members with understanding mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Examples of some topics are; charting projected lawsuit expenses, understanding when mediation might work, managing legal expenses in mediation, educational tools to make an informed decision, and advice on selecting mediator or other options.

b) These services are designed to help members deal with the increase in resolution pace.

3. Additional Mediation Services:

a) Plan members receive a 10% discount on Plan Mediators’ normal fees. This includes hourly rates and flat fees. However, this does not apply to Contingency Fees.

Savings Assistance Services

Your benefits package includes a Savings Assistance Plan as described below. These benefits are in addition to plan services described in your Certificate of Coverage.

1. Consultation Services:

a) Plan members are entitled to an initial consultation with one of our Savings Coaches for savings information including how to get started, how much is the right amount, how can I possibly save, how can I create a savings plan, can I save while I am in debt, and similarly related topics.

2. Creation of Savings Plan Assistance:

a) Counselor assistance to help members with creating their own personal savings plan is also included in the Saving Assistance Coverage. This service will include charting projected income and expenses, helping the member understand when savings might work, managing expenses in debt, educational tools to make an informed decision, and advice on selecting savings amounts options. This section of the plan is designed to help members deal with their increasing debt and need to save.

3. Additional Follow-up Services:

a) Plan members may utilize one, free, thirty minute telephone consultation per year.

b) Follow-up consultations and help from Savings Coaches are also available to each plan member.

OBTAINING BENEFITS

Telephone Advice and Consultation on Legal and Financial Matters 

Consultation by toll-free telephone with an attorney. Services are available during normal business hours. Calls can relate to any personal civil legal matter, except those specifically excluded herein. 

Financial Helpline: 

Consultation by toll-free telephone during normal business hours. Calls can relate to investment strategies, debt matters, or any personal financial planning question. 

Claim for Benefits 

1. Members must call the Member Services Center to confirm eligibility and coverage prior to consulting with any attorney. The Member Services Center will assign a Participating Attorney to provide services relative to the matter. Failure to notify the Member Services Center within thirty (30) days following consultation with an attorney may result in a denial of benefits.  Members may reach the Member Services Center at 1-888-416-4313, 5151 San Felipe St., Suite 2300, Houston, TX 77056. 
2. To obtain benefits under the Managed Case Rules:  Members and/or Family Member must secure a confirmation letter from the Member Services Center prior to proceeding with an attorney.  The attorney must provide a written estimate of fees reflecting his or her best judgment as to the likely conduct of the case. We will set a maximum attorney fee that takes into account the reasonable level of reimbursement for the proceeding and the proposed litigation strategy. Fees as a result of services in excess of the maximum attorney fee are the responsibility of the Member and/or Family Member. 
3. Members actively receiving services must remain enrolled and continue to pay premium hereunder. All benefits will be subject to subrogation. 
4. Upon completion of a Covered Service, the Member and/or Family Member will be required by the Participating Attorney to sign a confirmation of completion. 
5. If the Member and/or Family Member pays for pre-authorized services provided by a Non-Participating Attorney, the Member must submit a reimbursement form (provided by Member Services Center) accompanied by an original itemized bill within sixty (60) days after incurring the legal fees. Benefits provided to the Member and/or Family Member for Covered Services are subject to the maximum as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. 
6. If coverage terminates while a submitted claim for Covered Services is ongoing, coverage will continue for that claim only until the earlier of: (a) settlement of the claim; (b) ninety (90) days from the original termination date; (c) the final disposition of the claim adverse to the Member/Family Member; (d) the Member/Family Member is found to have committed the alleged wrongful act; or (e) the limits of liability are exhausted. 

Disputes Between Member and Family Member 

In the event that the Member and one of the Family Members are involved as adversaries in a dispute that is a Covered Service, only the Member will be covered. 

If two or more Family Members are involved in a dispute that is otherwise covered, no coverage will be provided. 

If two Members are involved as adversaries in a dispute that is a Covered Service, separate coverage for each Member will be provided. 

EXCLUSIONS

The following benefits are excluded: 

Appellate court proceedings, class actions, interventions, derivative action and amicus curiae filings. 

The preparation and filing of individual, partnership or estate tax returns, appellate or administrative proceedings related to tax returns, litigation before the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court of Claims or any other federal, state or other courts with respect to tax matters. 

Matters relating to securities, trademark or patent matters; business or commercial interests, including, but not limited to, professional, partnership and/or corporate matters; matters involving the law or laws of jurisdictions other than the United States and its territories ; any matters involving a government (domestic or foreign) entity or agency; farm related issues; matters involving commercial or rental property transactions, including the purchase, sale or lease of investment or income-producing property. A two-family house, whether or not used by the Member as his or her primary residence, is deemed an investment or income-producing property. 

Legal services which are fully paid for or provided at no cost by any governmental agency, organization or insurance company. 

Matters that the attorney deems frivolous, spurious, harassing, or unethical (collectively referred to as “frivolous”) or otherwise prohibited by the Model Rules of Professional Conduct of the state in which the attorney is licensed. 

Costs associated with covered legal services, including but not limited to, all fines, court costs, penalties, sanctions, expert witness fees, bonds, bail bonds, opposing attorney fees, exhibits, deposition costs, filing fees, transcripts, postage, telephone, photocopying, recording fees, messengers, judgements, jury fees, court reporter fees, investigative costs and all other incidental and out-of-pocket legal and litigation costs. 

Any services on behalf of a Family Member against the interests of the Member. 

Any employment-related matter. This includes, but is not limited to, any dispute involving the Member’s employer or its affiliates, their officers or directors, the Member’s employee benefit plans, credit unions, programs or arrangements sponsored by an employer, or cases involving workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, sex harassment, age discrimination, etc. 

Any dispute or proceeding against the following persons or entities, their officers, directors, employees, or agents: any person or entity involved in the sale of the group policy; Administrator or its subsidiaries; Policyholder; Member’s employer; Virginia Surety Company, Inc. it’s parents, subsidiaries or any affiliated or successor company, plan underwriter or reinsurer; Plan Sponsor; or any Participating and/or Non-Participating Attorney, if the dispute or proceeding pertains to services provided under the group policy / Certificate of Coverage. 

Except regarding LegalEASE Helpline and Financial Helpline services, benefits will not be provided in connection with pre-existing matters, which includes any matter where the Member and/or Family Member is on notice as to a pending legal dispute or has previously contacted an attorney. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Attorney-Client Relationship 

All attorneys are subject to the authority of the State Supreme Court and the State Bar of the state where they are licensed to practice. The Member’s relationship with an attorney is privileged and strictly confidential. We will not interfere in the attorney-client relationship, nor in the attorney’s independent exercise of his or her professional judgment. Attorneys are not certified specialists. 

Member shall authorize Participating Attorney to provide the Administrator with anonymous statistical reports on the number and type of services provided to Member. 

By using legal services benefits for which are provided, the Members agree that neither We, nor the Policyholder, nor any other person involved in the marketing or administration of the group policy, shall have any liability for the acts, errors or omissions of an attorney providing services, in whole or in part. 

Non-Participating Attorney Services 

If the Member already has an attorney, the Member may prefer to use her/him as a Non-Participating Attorney. To do so, the Member must first contact the Member Services Center and notify the representative of his/her intention to use a Non-Participating Attorney for a Covered Service. The Member Services Center will send the Member a claim form to request reimbursement. The Member’s reimbursement will be based on the reimbursement schedule as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. 

Legal Terminology 

The Member or Family Member may call the Member Services Center to obtain a definition or explanation of any term used herein. 

Premium Refund Provision 

In the event that the premium mode is other than monthly and the group policy is terminated or the Member elects to terminate the coverage, a prorata premium refund will be made in accordance with the insurance laws of the Policyholder’s state. 

Termination and Cancellation of Coverage 

Coverage provided to Member shall terminate upon the first of the following to occur:

1. Cancellation or termination of the group policy; 
2. If applicable, the Member fails to re-enroll; 
3. The Member is no longer associated with Policyholder; or 
4. The Member fails to remit premium when due, subject to the statutory grace period. 

Coverage provided to Family Member of a Member shall terminate upon the first of the following to occur: 

1. The Member’s coverage is cancelled or terminated; or 
2.  The Family Member ceases to be an eligible Family Member of the Member’s coverage. 

When coverage for a Member and/or Family Member terminates and a matter is unresolved when coverage terminated, then any further legal work between said Member and/or Family Member and the Plan Attorney shall be outside the scope and coverage of the group policy / Certificate of Coverage. The Plan Attorney shall not be obligated to provide any benefits and any further legal services shall be based upon an independent and separate fee agreement entered into, if at all, between the former Member and/or Family Member and the attorney. If such an agreement is not entered into, then the Plan Attorney may withdraw from any further representation in accordance with applicable law and State Bar standards. 

Arbitration 

The issuance of this coverage takes place in and substantially affects interstate commerce. Any dispute, controversy, or cause of action by the Policyholder and its Members arising out of or relating in any way to, this insurance, or to the sale or solicitation of this insurance, shall be settled by arbitration under the provision of the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C., section 1, et seq. Such arbitration shall be governed by the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall be conducted at our home office or such other location as We and the Policyholder/Member agree. The arbitration panel shall consist of three arbitrators, one selected by Us, one selected by the Policyholder/Member and one selected by the arbitrators previously selected. 

If We, a Policyholder/Member, or a third party have any dispute that is directly or indirectly related to a dispute governed by this arbitration provision, the Policyholder/Member and We agree to consolidate all such disputes. 

The arbitration shall be binding upon the Policyholder/Member and Us. Any award may not be set aside in later litigation except upon the limited circumstances set forth in the Federal Arbitration Act. The Policyholder/Member and We give up the right to seek remedies in Court, including the right to a jury trial. Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any Court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitration expenses shall be borne by the losing party or in such proportion as the arbitrators shall decide. 

Conform to Statute 

Any terms of the group policy / Certificate of Coverage which are in conflict with the statutes of the jurisdiction where issued, are amended to conform to the statutes. 

• Experience in the Legal Matter Needed
• Quality Time Spent in Consultations
• Years of Legal Training and Experience
• Up-to-date Legal Training Each Year
• Lawyers Who are Service-Oriented
• Lawyers Who Have a Solid Local Reputation in their Communities
• Exceptional Backgrounds
• Years of Courtroom and Trial Experience

• To comply at all times with the Rules of Civil Procedure and Criminal Procedure and the Rules of Professional Conduct applicable to the jurisdiction.
• To return member's calls promptly, within one business day, and communicate with members such that a member and the member's family do not voice substantiated concerns over promptness or frequency of your or your firm's communication.
• To not enter continuances, adjournments, or the like without the member's comfort and consent.
• To not arrange for substitutions or stand-ins unless the member has been previously advised and that the member understands that you remain responsible for the case and to contact you if there is any concern or if proceedings do not go as planned.
• To always respect a member, their needs and family.
• To maintain a professional office, in staffing and appearance.
• To fully explain yourself such that a member has an understanding for the reasons behind your recommendations and suggestions, even if a member may not hire your firm.
• To not complete any additional work that will result in a fee to the member, where not covered by the member's plan, until a fee arrangement is fully understood by the member and there is a written agreement.
• To help each member individually and ensure that everything you do is in the interest of the member.
• To notify LegalEASE if there is or may be the possibility of a conflict of interest or violation of ethical codes.
• To notify LegalEASE if there may be a misunderstanding or potential service issue where there may be a complaint without breaking any client confidences.
• To direct any grievances or concerns, such as process procedure or billing, to Legal Access and not a member.
• To not refer any member to another attorney without the knowledge and consent of Legal Access if you cannot assist.
• To take responsibility and uphold the highest standards of customer service delivered by any and all firm staff or employees that have interaction with members.
• To communicate and cooperate with LegalEASE on any concern, inquiry or issue and return any communication from Legal Access within one business day.