Waelder ISD

Welcome

Benefits Proudly Offered to Waelder ISD Employees

Be fully prepared and confident

with a Legal Benefits Plan

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

Product Administered By: LegalEASE

A Legal Benefits Plan can help ease the two biggest stresses -finding and paying for legal expertise when you need it most.

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 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 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 Legal Benefits 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.

Coverage

The Value of a LegalEASE Plan.

Being a LegalEASE member saves you time and costly legal fees. But most importantly, it gives you confidence and provides coverage for:

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 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 Plan is only $17.95 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.

Schedule of Benefits
Advice and Consultation	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
LegalEASE Helpline	Fully Covered	N/A
Initial Law Office Consultation (One hour per calendar quarter)	Fully Covered	N/A
Review of Simple Documents - up to 6 Pages	Fully Covered	N/A
Miscellaneous Law Office Services	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Legal Services for any Non-Excluded Legal Matter	25% Discount on Plan Attorney's Hourly Rates	N/A
Consumer Matters	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Document Preparation: Simple Deed Promissory Note Consumer Dispute Correspondence Installment Sales Agreement Simple Affidavit General Power of Attorney: Member & Family Member Lease Agreement - Tenant only Time Share Agreement	Fully Covered	$65 $55 $55 $55 $55 $55/ Document $55/ Covered Family Member Document $65 $55
Consumer Dispute	Fully Covered subject to Managed Case Rules*	$595 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*
Small Claims Court Reprsentation	Fully Covered up to 2 Hours	$105
Estate Planning	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Simple Will or Codicil for: Member Spouse Family Member	Fully Covered	$80
Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney	Fully Covered	$55
Probate of Small Estate	Fully Covered up to 2 Hours	$105
Home and Residential Matters	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Real Estate Closing	Flat Rate of $175	N/A
Refinancing of Primary Residence	Fully Covered	$385
Tenant Dispute	$1,000 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*	$850 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*
Financial Matters	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Debt Collection Defense: Pre-Litigation Defense	Fully Covered subject to Managed Case Rules*	$425
Debt Collection Defense: Trial Defense	$700 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*	$595
Foreclosure	$480 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*	$410
Tax Audit	$1,500 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*	$1,275 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*
Bankruptcy	Flat Rate of $750	N/A
Family	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Separation, Divorce, Civil Annulment: Uncontested Separation Consent/Default Divorce Uncontested Divorce	Fully Covered up to 10 Hours	$595
Contested Divorce	$1,500 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*	$1,275 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*
Name Change	Fully Covered	$255
Uncontested Guardianship/Conservatorship	Fully Covered subject to Managed Case Rules*	$425
Uncontested Governmental Agency Adoptions	Fully Covered subject to Managed Case Rules*	$405
Uncontested Stepparent Adoptions	Fully Covered subject to Managed Case Rules*	$340
Juvenile Court Proceedings	Fully Covered subject to Managed Case Rules*	$470
Prenuptial Agreement	Flat Rate Fee of $239	N/A
Civil	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Civil Litigation Defense	$1,500 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*	$1,275 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*
Criminal Defense	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Traffic Ticket Defense	Flat Rate of $89	N/A
Serious Traffic Matters (resulting in suspensioin or revocation of license)	Fully Covered	$425
Administrative Proceeding (resulting in Suspension or Revocation of License)	Fully Covered	$255
Misdemeanor Defense	$1,500 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*	$1,275 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules*
Additional Benefits	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Financial Advisor	Included	N/A
Mediation	Included	N/A
Identity Theft Assistance	Included	N/A
Elder Law	Included	N/A
Simple Incorporation	Flat Rate of $239	N/A

Limitations apply.

* Managed Case Rules require the following:

1. Member and/or Covered 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 Covered Family 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 except as specifically described under Covered Services; any matters involving a government (domestic or foreign) entity or agency except as specifically described under Covered Services; farm related issues; matters involving commercial or rental property transactions, including the purchase, sale or lease of investment or income-producing property. Legal services that 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, attorney fees, exhibits, deposition costs, filing fees, transcripts, postage, telephone, photocopying, recording fees, messengers, judgments, 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 Covered 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, marketing, administration or other processes related to this Policy; Legal Plan Administrator or its subsidiaries; Claims Administrator or its subsidiaries; Policyholder; Member’s employer; Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and 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.The Policy will not provide benefits in connection with pre-existing matters, which includes any matter where the Member and/or Covered Family Member is on notice as to a pending legal dispute or has previously contacted an attorney, except when prior coverage under another Legal Plan provided by the Policyholder can be demonstrated.Where there are specific hours or dollar amounts provide in this Policy, or where a maximum is set under the Managed Case Rules, the Member will be responsible for all attorney fees incurred over the maximum. Additional exclusions related to each benefit are included in the Covered Services.

Definitions

Definitions

“REIMBURSEMENT ADMINISTRATOR” - means LegalEASE; or its subsidiary.

“COVERED FAMILY MEMBER” - means 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 .

“COVERED SPOUSE” - means the Member’s lawful spouse at the time the contract is in effect.

“EFFECTIVE DATE” - means the date a Member’s coverage hereunder begins. “CONTRACTHOLDER” - means

the organization named in the declarations page.

“LEGAL PLAN ADMINISTRATOR” – the LegalEASE Group, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees,

and/or agents, including third party organizations and their affiliates, officers, directors,

employees, and/or agents, hired by the LegalEASE Group to perform services under this Certificate

of Coverage.

“MEMBER” - refers to the individual who is associated with the Contractholder named on the first

page of this Certificate of Coverage and who has paid or a fee has been paid on his/her behalf and

who meets the eligibility requirements for Covered

Services as defined by the Contractholder.

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

Certificate of Coverage.

“NON-PARTICIPATING ATTORNEY” - means an attorney not retained by Legal Plan Administrator who is

selected and paid by the Member to provide services covered under the Legal Services Contract up to

the maximum amount as shown in the Schedule of Services.

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

“PARTICIPATING ATTORNEY” - means an attorney retained by the Legal Plan Administrator to provide

covered legal services at the amount shown in the Schedule of Services.

“WE”, “US”, “OUR” AND “COMPANY” - means the name of the plan provider indicated on the first page

of the Certificate of

Coverage.

Covered Services

In consideration of payment and receipt by Us of the applicable fee, all Covered Services are

available to a Member and all Covered Family Members. Except as noted below, the following Covered

Services are provided to the Member when the Member uses a Participating Attorney. The Schedule of

Services chart shows the reimbursement schedule when the Member uses a Non-Participating Attorney.

Consumer Matters

Document Preparation:

Preparation of any of the following documents: simple deed (excluding those reviewed or prepared

under the real estate service), promissory note, consumer dispute correspondence, installment sales

agreement, general power of attorney, lease agreement (tenant only), time share agreement, and

simple affidavit.

This service is limited to one use per year per document, except general power of attorney, which

is limited to one use per year per Covered Family Member.

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 service is limited to one use per year.

Small Claims Court Representation:

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

may not be permitted to attend court hearings in some jurisdictions).

This service is limited to one use per year.

Estate Planning

Will or Codicil Preparation:

Preparation of one simple will or codicil (an amendment to an existing will) for the Member and

Covered Spouse only and/or Covered Family Member, including the preparation of a simple

testamentary support trust for the dependent children:

Simple Will Preparation: Participating Attorney shall prepare a simple will or codicil for Member

and/or Covered Family Member and discuss the legal requirements for signing the will.

This service is limited to one use per year per Member/Covered Family Member.

Living Will and/or Health Care Power of Attorney:

Preparation of living will and/or health care power of attorney for Member and/or Covered 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 service 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 Services.

Residential Matters

Refinancing of Primary Residence:

The services of an attorney for 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 service 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 service is limited to one closing per year.

Tenant Dispute:

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

landlord.

This service is limited to one use per year.

Financial Matters

Debt Collection Defense:

The defense of any dispute involving personal (non-business related) debt. This service 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 service is limited to one use per year.

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 service is limited to one use per year.

Tax Audit:

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 service does not include a defense against criminal charges nor the defense of civil

tax litigation in any tax court.

This service is limited to one use per year.

Family Matters

Separation, Divorce, Civil Annulment:

Legal representation of the Member only for up to the maximum shown on the Schedule of Services 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 service for

uncontested matters does not provide any coverage of an attorney’s fee for:

(1) services in excess of the maximum shown on the Schedule of Services; the Member must pay the

attorney’s fee for services in excess of the maximum; or, (2) contested matters in which case the

Member must pay the attorney’s fee for services, unless this Legal Services Contract provides

coverage of contested matters and the service shall be in accordance with the Schedule of Services

or, (3) services relative to post-decree representation. A contested separation, divorce or civil

annulment requires more than five hours of attorney time, involves disputed issues and both parties

are represented by an attorney.

This service 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 and Covered

Family Members only for actions not involving the Member as an opposing party

Name Change:

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

This service is limited to one use per year.

Guardianship/Conservatorship:

Services required to establish a Member and/or Covered Family Member as the guardian(s) or

conservator(s) of a family member of either the Member or Covered Spouse. This service does not

include fees for a court –appointed attorney for the child/conservatee. This service does not

include contested matters.

This service is limited to one use per year.

Government Agency/Stepparent Adoption:

Legal representation for a Member and/or Covered Family Member of up to the maximum shown in the

Schedule of Services in an uncontested governmental agency or stepparent adoption. An uncontested

adoption does not involve significant disputed issues. This service 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 hours of attorney time and involves disputed issues.

This service is limited to one use per year.

Juvenile Court Matters:

Services related to the representation of the dependent child of a Member and/or Covered Family

Member in any juvenile court proceeding, provided the child’s interest is not in conflict with the

Member’s and/or Covered Family Member’s interest. This service does not cover any matter that

falls outside the jurisdiction of juvenile court or any matter that may be considered a felony.

This service is limited to one use per year.

Civil Litigation Defense

Civil Litigation Defense:

Services related to the representation of a Member and/or Covered Family Member who is a named

defendant in a civil lawsuit (non-business related), up to and including the trial thereof. This

service 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/Covered Family Member has or

is required by law to have insurance.

This service is limited to one use per year.

Criminal Defense

Serious Traffic Matters:

Services related to the representation of a Member and/or Covered 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 Covered Family Member’s drivers’ license.

This service is limited to one use per year.

Administrative Proceeding:

Services related to the representation of a Member and/or Covered Family Member in an

administrative proceeding relating to the suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

This service is limited to one use per year.

Misdemeanor Defense:

Defense of a Member and/or Covered Family Member in connection with criminal misdemeanor charges

(not associated with any felony charge).

This service is limited to one use per year.

Obtaining Services

Reimbursement for Services

1.Members must call the Member Service Center to confirm eligibility and coverage

prior to consulting with any attorney. The Member Service Center will assign a Participating

Attorney to provide services relative to the matter. Failure to notify the Member Service Center

within thirty (30) days following consultation with an attorney may result in a denial of coverage.

2.To obtain services under the Managed Case Rules:

Members and/or Covered Family Member must secure a confirmation letter from the Member Service

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 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 Covered Family Member.

3.Members actively receiving services under this Legal Services Contract must remain

enrolled and continue to pay fees hereunder. All services will be subject to subrogation and

coordination of benefit rules.

4.Upon completion of a Covered Service, the Member and/or Covered Family Member will

be required by the Participating Attorney to sign a confirmation of completion. Failure to sign

the confirmation may result in denial of the reimbursement and the Member/ Covered Family Member

will be responsible for all legal fees.

5. If the Member and/or Covered Family Member pays for pre-authorized services provided

by a Non- Participating Attorney, the Member must submit a reimbursement form (provided by Member

Service Center) accompanied by an original itemized bill, proof of payment and supporting

documentation sufficient to demonstrate the work completed in the matter within sixty (60) days

after incurring the legal fees. Services provided to the Member and/or Covered Family Member for

Covered Services are subject to the maximum as shown in the Schedule of Services.

Disputes Between Member and Covered Family Member

In the event that the Member and one of the Covered Family Members are involved as adversaries in a

dispute that is a Covered Service, only the Member will be covered.

If two or more Covered 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 services 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 and

Canada; any matters involving a government (domestic or foreign) entity or agency except as

specifically described under Covered Services; 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 that 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, attorney fees, exhibits, deposition

costs, filing fees, transcripts, postage, telephone, photocopying, recording fees, messengers,

judgments, 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 Covered 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, marketing, administration or other

processes related to the group contract / Certificate of Coverage; Legal Plan Administrator or its

subsidiaries; Reimbursement Administrator or its subsidiaries; Contractholder; Member’s employer;

Plan Sponsor; or any Participating and/or Non-Participating Attorney, if the dispute or proceeding

pertains to services provided under the group contract / Certificate of Coverage.

The Certificate of Coverage will not provide services in connection with pre-existing matters,

which includes any matter where the Member and/or Covered Family Member is on notice as to a

pending legal dispute or has previously contacted an attorney.

Where there are specific hours or dollar amounts provide in this Schedule of Services, or where a

maximum is set under the Managed Case Rules, the Member will be responsible for all attorney fees

incurred over the maximum. Additional exclusions

related to each service are included in the Covered Services.

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.

The Member shall authorize the Participating Attorney to provide the Legal Plan Administrator with

information and supporting documentation on the number and type of services provided to the Member.

By using legal services that are provided under this Certificate of Coverage, the Members agree

that neither We, nor the Contractholder, nor any other person involved in the marketing or

administration of the group contract, 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 Service Center and notify the

representative of his/her intention to use a Non-Participating Attorney for a Covered Service. The

Member Service Center will send the Member a form to request reimbursement. The Member’s

reimbursement will be based on the reimbursement schedule as shown in the Schedule of Services. If

a Member already has an attorney at the time he/she becomes a Member, the Legal Plan Administrator

can offer to negotiate with the attorney on behalf of the Member, but will not guarantee the Plan

Discounted Rate will be accepted by the attorney or offered by the Legal Plan Administrator.

Legal Terminology

The Member or Covered Family Member may call the Member Service Center to obtain a definition or

explanation of any term used herein.

Coverage Territory

The coverage territory includes the United States and United States territories.

Refund Provision

In the event that the payment mode is other than monthly and the group contract is terminated or

the Member elects to terminate the coverage, a pro-rata refund will be made in accordance with the

laws of the Contractholder’s state.

Termination and Cancellation of Coverage

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

a. Cancellation or termination of the group contract;

b. If applicable, the Member fails to re-enroll;

c. The Member is no longer associated with Contractholder; or

d. The Member fails to remit payment when due, subject to the statutory grace period.

Coverage provided to a Covered Family Member of a Member shall terminate upon the first of the

following to occur:

a. The Member’s coverage is cancelled or terminated; or

b. The family member ceases to qualify as a Covered Family Member as defined.

When coverage for a Member and/or Covered Family Member terminates and a matter is unresolved when

coverage terminated, then any further legal work between said Member and/or Covered Family Member

and the Participating Attorney shall be outside the scope and coverage of the Certificate of

Coverage. The Participating Attorney shall not be obligated to provide any services under the

Certificate of Coverage 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 Covered Family

Member and the attorney. If such an agreement is not entered into, then the Participating Attorney

may withdraw from any further representation in accordance with applicable law and State Bar

standards.

Portability

The Member may continue coverage under this Legal Services Contract by electing the option of

portability when the Member no longer qualifies as an employee of the Contractholder or as a member

of the group to which this Legal Services Contract is issued. The Member must apply for

portability within sixty (60) days of this disqualifying event and make arrangements for payment.

Portability coverage will take effect, subject to receipt of the initial payment, as of the date

the Member’s coverage under this group Legal Services Contract terminates. Credit will be given

for any applicable Waiting Period based on the number of months coverage was in force for the

Member under this Legal Services Contract.

Conformed to Statute

Any terms of the Legal Services Contract that 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 Legal Services Contract are not assignable.

Miscellaneous

To obtain information or make a complaint:

You may call The LegalEASE Group’s toll-free telephone number for information or to make a

complaint at 1-888-416-4313.

You may also write to The LegalEASE Group at:

5151 San Felipe, Suite 2300

Houston, TX 77056

You may contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to obtain information on

companies, coverages, rights or complaints at 1-800-803-9202.

You may write the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at:

P.O. Box 12157

Austin, Texas 78711

legalservicecontract@license.state.tx.us

Payment or Reimbursement Disputes:

Should you have a dispute concerning your payment or about a reimbursement, you should contact The

LegalEASE Group first. If the dispute is not resolved, you may contact the Texas Department of

Licensing and Regulation.

Legal service contract companies and their sales representatives are regulated by the Texas

Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Network

About the Network of Attorneys

When going in for surgery, you don’t want a surgeon that has a poor track record or only a couple years experience. We feel that a legal need is just as important.

Help Focus Infrastructure

When it comes to finding an attorney, an employee can waste days looking for the right one, even with a legal plan. Our process has a Help Focus Infrastructure. We focus on our relationships with our Providers to help us help your employees, faster. Our Attorney Match Technology and dialogue with attorneys and members ensures the right help the first time. Matching an employee to the right help expedites solutions while saving time and stress.

Standards and Qualifications

The credentialing standards that we utilize to vet our providers is the most stringent in the country. We focus on years of experience, as well as insurance and discipline, as well as penalty of perjury submissions with extensive back ground checks.

Under the Provider Network, your employees will receive legal help from professionals with many of these service characteristics:

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

Provider Standards of Care

The Network Provider shall strive to provide the highest quality of legal representation and service to Plan Members.

Plan Providers agree to the following:

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.

About

We are here to serve you...

We believe people deserve to have a sense of safety and security, a peace of mind, when it comes to being protected in legal matters that they may not be the experts in. To have access to legal professionals that can ease and solve their legal burdens. We are here to serve you.

How we do it is by providing an in-depth pool of resources to accommodate all your legal needs. Legal Access and LegalEASE have broad experiences with employees in small, medium and large companies in the public and private sectors, local, state and federal government offices, unions, employee assistance plans, work-life companies, and organizations, when it comes to solving your legal matters.

What we do is provide value by creating unparalleled access to a network of skilled attorneys to cover your legal needs with options in convenient plans. We are a diversified employee benefits company engaged in administration, network development, technology management and insurance, based in Houston, Texas. Since 1971, we have grown from five attorneys in Los Angeles providing services to a modest amount of companies into a company with the strongest attorney network across America. We provide assistance to members over half of a million times each year throughout the United States and the world.

Legal Access Companies consists of several companies and brands to best meet customer needs, including but not limited to: Legal Plans USA, Legal Access Plans, LegalEASE, and LAMG. Legal Access Plans has a wide array of products across several market segements, including worksite, employee assistance and worklife. LegalEASE is the group's primary insurance brand and focuses primarily in the worksite market. LegalEASE products are underwritten and presented by Virginia Surety Company, part of the Warranty Group.