Benefits Proudly Offered to New York Energy Employees

Be fully prepared and confident

 with LegalGUARD^sm

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

Product Administered By: LegalEASE

LegalGUARD 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 LegalGUARD, 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 LegalGUARD member saves you time and costly legal fees. But most importantly, it gives you confidence and provides coverage for common legal matters.

With a LegalGUARD 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. LegalGUARD provides coverage for your specific legal matter so you won't be caught off guard.

Protect your family’s future, with LegalGUARD.

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 LegalGUARD Plan. LegalGUARD 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 LegalGUARD 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 LegalGUARD Plan.

• Home and Residential
• Financial and Money Matters
• Consumer
• Auto and Traffic
• Family
• Civil Lawsuits
• Estate planning and wills
• Elder Law

LegalGUARD 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 LegalGUARD Plan. This plan offers the convenience of in-network and out-of-network benefits.

Plan Cost

The LegalGUARD Plan is only $19.56 monthly, via payroll deduction.

Who's Covered?

The Member’s spouse and Member’s 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 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.

¹Some limitations may apply.

²Subject to managed case rules.

³Discounted Rate

⁴Additional benefits

Managed Case Rules require the following:

1. Member and/or Family Member must secure a confirmation letter from the Member Service Center prior to proceeding with an attorney.
2. The attorney must provide a written estimate of fees reflecting his or her best judgment as to the likely conduct of the case.
3. We will set a maximum attorney fee that takes into account the reasonable level of reimbursement of 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.

Definitions

“PLAN ATTORNEY” - means an attorney associated with a private law firm, who is licensed to practice law in the Member’s state. These attorneys have been contracted to provide legal advice and simple service by telephone to Members.

“ADMINISTRATOR” - means LegalPlans USA, a licensed adjuster; or its subsidiary.

“MEMBER SERVICES CENTER” - means the service location established to help make full use of the Policy.

“COMPLEX WILL” - means the Member has a significant net worth and will benefit from tax planning, or the estate is subject to current state or federal estate taxation; the Member owns a business that will continue in operation after death; the Member wants to put restrictions on what heirs may do with the property; the Member wants 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 wants 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 Member thinks that someone will challenge the will; and/or the Member wants to exclude any lawful dependents.

“EFFECTIVE DATE” - means the date coverage hereunder begins.

“FAMILY MEMBER” - means the Member’s lawful spouse and children. Eligible Family Members are the Member’s spouse and Member’s 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 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.

“MEMBER” - refers to the individual who is associated with the Policyholder and who has paid or a premium has been paid on their behalf and who meets the eligibility requirements for Covered Services in the Policy.

“NON-PARTICIPATING ATTORNEY” - means an attorney not retained by Administrator who is selected and paid by the Member to provide services covered under the Policy up to the maximum amount as shown in the Schedule of Benefits.

“PAID IN FULL” - means complete payment to a Participating Attorney for covered legal services.

“PARTICIPATING ATTORNEY” - means an attorney retained by the Administrator to provide covered legal services at the amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits.

“PLAN SPONSOR” - means an organization other than the Policyholder or the Member’s employer which makes coverage hereunder available.

“POLICYHOLDER” - means the organization named in the declarations page.

“WE”, “US”, “OUR” AND “COMPANY” - means the name of the underwriter indicated on the declarations page of this Policy.

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/her self.

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.

Obtaining Policy 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, 5850 San Felipe St., Suite 600, Houston, TX 77057.
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 under this Policy must remain enrolled and continue to pay premium hereunder. All Policy 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, the Policy will cover the Member only.

If two or more Family Members are involved in a dispute that is otherwise covered under the Policy, the Policy will provide no coverage.

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

Exclusions

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; 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 LegalEASE Helpline and Financial 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.

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 under the Policy, the Members agree that neither We, nor the Policyholder, nor any other person involved in the marketing or administration of the Policy, shall have any liability for the acts, errors or omissions of an attorney providing services, in whole or in part, under the Policy.

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 from the Policy. 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.

Coverage Period

The coverage period is automatically renewable upon receipt of appropriate premium unless terminated in accordance with the terms hereof.

Coverage Territory

The coverage territory includes the states identified in Schedule A attached hereto.

Premium Refund Provision

In the event that the premium mode is other than monthly and the 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 of Coverage

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

1. Cancellation or termination of this Policy;
2. If applicable, the Member fails to re-enroll;
3. The Member is no longer associated with the 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 Policy. The Plan Attorney shall not be obligated to provide any benefits under the Policy 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.

If this Policy has been in effect for sixty (60) days or less, the Company may cancel this Policy by providing written notice to the Policyholder at least twenty (20) days prior to the effective date of cancellation.

After this Policy has been in effect for sixty (60) days or more, it may be cancelled for one of the following reasons:

1. Nonpayment of premium;
2. Conviction of a crime arising out of acts increasing the hazard insured against;
3. Discovery of fraud or material misrepresentation in the obtaining of the Policy or in the presentation of a claim thereunder:
4. Discovery of an act or omission, or a violation of any Policy condition, that substantially and materially increases the hazard insured against, and which occurred subsequent to inception of the current Policy period;
5. Material physical change in the property insured, occurring after issuance or last annual renewal anniversary date of the Policy, which results in the property becoming uninsurable in accordance with the Company’s objective, uniformly applied underwriting standards in effect at the time the Policy was issued or last renewed; or material change in the nature or extent of the risk, occurring after issuance or last annual renewal anniversary date of the Policy, which causes the risk of loss to be substantially and materially increased beyond that contemplated at the time the Policy was issued or last renewed;
6. A determination by the Superintendent of Insurance that continuation of the present premium volume would jeopardize the insolvency or be hazardous to the interests of policyholders of the Company, its creditors or the public;
7. A determination by the Superintendent of Insurance that the continuation of the Policy would violate, or would place the Company in violation of any provision of the insurance laws of this state; or
8. Where the Company has reason to believe, in good faith and with sufficient cause, that there is a probable risk or danger that the insured will destroy, or permit to be destroyed, the insured property for the purpose of collecting the insurance proceeds, provided, however, that:
   
   • A notice of cancellation on this ground shall inform the insured in plain language that the insured must act within ten (10) days if review by the Department of Insurance of the ground for cancellation is desired;
   • Notice of cancellation on this ground shall be provided simultaneously by the Company to the Department of Insurance; and
   • Upon written request of the insured made to the Department of Insurance within ten (10) days from the insured’s receipt of notice of cancellation on this ground, the Department shall undertake a review of the ground for cancellation to determine whether or not the Company has satisfied the criteria for cancellation specified in this subparagraph; if after such review the Department finds no sufficient cause for cancellation on this ground, the notice of cancellation on this ground shall be deemed null and void.

The Company shall provide written notice of cancellation to the Policyholder at least fifteen (15) days prior to the effective date of such cancellation. The Policyholder is responsible for notifying the Member of cancellation.

This Policy may not be renewed by the Company for any reason by providing sixty (60) days written notice to the Policyholder. The Policyholder is responsible for notifying the Member of the non-renewal.

Premium Remittance

Policyholder shall remit premium to Company no later than the 10th calendar day following the month for which Policy coverage is provided.

Grace Period

The Policy provides Policyholder a grace period of thirty-one (31) days after the premium for covered Members due date to remit the premium that is due and unpaid.  During the grace period, this Policy will continue in effect. If the premium for covered Members remains unpaid at the end of the grace period, the Policy will terminate. Termination will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on the thirty-second (32nd) day following the due date for which premium for covered Members remains unpaid.  Policyholder shall remain liable for the prorata portion of all premiums that accrue for the period this Policy is in effect.

Amendment of the Policy

The Policy may be amended or changed at any time by the Company upon written notice thereof and signed by a duly authorized representative. No agent, broker or sales representative may make any change in this Policy or waive any of its provisions.

Notice of Policy Provisions

Notice to any agent or knowledge possessed by any agent or by any other person shall not effect a waiver or change any part of the Policy or stop Us from asserting any right under the terms of the Policy; nor shall terms of the Policy be waived or changed except as stated above.

Change in Premium

We shall provide the Policyholder written notice within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date of the Policy for any change in premium to be implemented. Any such change shall apply to the Policyholder on the anniversary date of the Policy. The Policyholder is responsible for notifying the Members of the change in premium.

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 Ace, 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.

Conversion

The Member may continue this insurance by converting to an individual policy subject to state availability when the Member no longer qualifies as an employee of the Policyholder or as a Member of the group to which this Policy is issued. The Member must notify us within thirty-one (31) days of this disqualifying event to make arrangements for premium payment.

Policy Conformed to Statute

Any terms of the Policy which are in conflict with the statutes of the jurisdiction where issued, are amended to conform to the statutes.

Assignment of Benefits

The benefits provided under this Policy are not assignable.

Entire Contract

This Policy, including the application and endorsements, if any, constitutes the entire contract of insurance.

• 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.