This section describes the Plan’s General Matters Benefits, which covers any general questions a member may have regarding his/her legal rights.
Who is eligible…Any covered member and dependent.
What is the Benefit…A covered member or dependent may get advice on the telephone or in-office consultations. This benefit provides a covered member and dependent with the opportunity to consult an attorney for three one hour sessions in-office each calendar year concerning any new legal matter. In addition, a covered individual may consult with the Legal Services Plan attorneys an unlimited number of times over the telephone. The in-office consultations cannot be used as a credit toward any other service.
How to Obtain the Benefit…For an appointment to discuss Consultation Benefit on any question relating to your legal rights, or to conduct a telephone consultation, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member and dependent.
What is the Benefit…If a covered member or dependent is confronted with a
situation that requires immediate legal advice, he or she may call the emergency hotline to talk to an attorney after regular business hours. This emergency service may only be used in situations that cannot wait until the next business day.
How to Obtain the Benefit…Call the Legal Services Plan Emergency Hotline Number at (800) 832-5182.
Who is Eligible…Any covered member and dependent.
What is the benefit…This benefit provides review and interpretation by an attorney of all legal documents which directly involve the member or a covered dependent, such as guarantees, warranties, installment purchase agreements, loans, leases and court papers.
Exclusions and Limitations:
The following documents are not included in the Document Review Benefit:
The Document Review Benefit provides review and interpretation of documents: it does not involve representation by counsel, unless such representation involves legal services covered by the Plan. If a covered matter is involved, the Legal Services Plan will provide representation by an attorney in accordance with the benefit’s description under the Plan.
How to Obtain the Benefit…For an appointment for the Document Review Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is Eligible…Any covered member and dependent.
What is this benefit….Your Plan attorney will write free legal letters on your behalf to resolve legal disputes before they become lawsuits. These letters are available regarding any covered legal matter. However, letters cannot be written in response to a pending lawsuit or regarding any personal injury claims.
How to Obtain the Benefit…Contact the office to speak to a Legal Services Plan Attorney at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member, his/her spouse or eligible domestic partner (as determined by the Fund).
What is the Benefit…This benefit provides a covered member and his/her spouse or eligible domestic partner with the opportunity to have a Last Will and Testament, including a Simple Trust, if needed, or Codicil prepared and executed under the supervision of a legal benefits attorney.
How to Obtain the Benefit…To obtain the Last Will and Testament Benefit, you should complete the Confidential Will Questionnaire (see page 8 for website access) or contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182. If both spouses or both domestic partners, desire a Will, it is recommended that they make appointments together.
Who is eligible…Any covered member and his/her spouse or eligible domestic partner.
What is the Benefit…This benefit provides a covered member and his/her spouse or eligible domestic partner with the opportunity to have a Health Care Proxy prepared and executed under the supervision of a legal benefits attorney.
How to Obtain the Benefit…To obtain the Health Care Proxy Benefit, you should complete the Confidential Will Questionnaire (see page 8 for website access) or contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182. If both spouses or domestic partners desire a Health Care Proxy, it is recommended that they make appointments together.
Who is eligible…Any covered member and his/her spouse or eligible domestic partner.
What is the Benefit…This benefit provides a covered member and his/her spouse or domestic partner with the opportunity to have a Living Will prepared and executed under the supervision of a legal benefits attorney.
How to Obtain the Benefit…To obtain the Living Will Benefit, you should complete the Confidential Will Questionnaire (see page 8 for website access) or contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182. If both spouses or domestic partners desire a Living Will, it is recommended that they make appointments together.
Who is eligible….Any covered member and his/her spouse or eligible domestic partner.
What is the benefit…This benefit provides a covered member and his/her spouse or domestic partner with the opportunity to have a Durable Power of Attorney prepared and executed under the supervision of a legal benefits attorney.
How to obtain the benefit…To obtain the Durable Power of Attorney Benefit, you should complete the Confidential Will Questionnaire (see page 8 for website access) or contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182. If both spouses or domestic partners desire a Durable Power of Attorney, it is recommended that they make appointments together.
Who is eligible…Exclusively in connection with the Elder Law section of the Legal Plan coverage only, this Elder Law Benefit is available to the member, eligible dependents and is extended to the members’ parents, grandparents, parents-in-law and grandparents-in-law who resides in New York State.
What is the Benefit…Our Elder Law attorneys will consult with a covered individual to discuss asset preservation strategies. The first hour is free and all subsequent time will be billed at a 20% reduction from the Elder Law attorneys’ usual billing rate. Client will be advised of attorney’s usual billing rate prior to referral.
Elder Law attorneys can advise on State law and assist in putting a health and estate plan in effect, which can maximize eligibility for coverage of Medicaid to pay for nursing home and home care costs while preserving one’s estate and assets.
The attorneys who will provide the listed services specialize in the subject of Elder Law, estate planning, wills, trusts, pre-nursing home planning, probate and conservatorship.
How to Obtain the Benefit…To obtain the Elder Law Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
This section describes the specific benefits in the Comprehensive Legal Services category. All covered members are entitled to three (3) Comprehensive Legal Services each calendar year. In most cases there will be no cost to the client for legal fees. There may be collateral expenses and disbursements, however, which client must pay.
Who is covered…Any covered member who owns a primary private residence, a condominium or a co-operative or is in the process of purchasing such a residence where he/she will reside primarily in the United States of America.
What is the Benefit…The sale, purchase or refinance of a primary private dwelling, condominium or co-operative apartment in the United States of America where residence is or will be in effect at time of settlement (i.e., “closing”). In the event that a covered member retains one of the Legal Services Plan Attorneys there will be no charge for legal fees related to the real estate transaction as described in this booklet. A maximum of two (2) transactions per three (3) years will be covered, commencing with the date of the initial transaction.
This benefit does not cover expenses for Title searches or Title insurance, appraisal costs, bank fees or any related fees (i.e., “closing costs”). This benefit only covers the sale, purchase or refinance of a single family home. There is no coverage for multiple dwelling units. This benefit does not include representation regarding contract disputes, specific performance of contracts, landlord/tenant disputes or any litigation related to the buy, sell or refinance of business property. One (1) hour of post-closing service will be provided to conclude any post-closing issues, exclusive of the preparation of the appropriate closing statement. All time spent beyond that point will be billed to the member at the reduced hourly rate of $250.
How to Obtain the Benefit…To obtain the Real Estate Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member who is a defendant (respondent) or a plaintiff (petitioner) in a contested or uncontested Family Court proceeding within Suffolk or Nassau Counties.
What is the Benefit…The benefit provides up to five (5) hours of legal representation per matter without cost by a Plan attorney either in court or out of court for all necessary legal services in cases involving support, child custody, visitation rights, or paternity matters. After five (5) hours per matter have been exhausted, the member will be responsible for all legal fees. All time spent beyond that point will be billed to the member by the Plan attorney at the reduced hourly rate of $250.
How to Obtain the Benefit…To obtain the Family Court Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member.
What is the Benefit…The Legal Service Plan will provide coverage to members only in actions for divorce/separation and/or civil annulment. This benefit includes free representation at all uncontested stages of the matter where there are no children. A property settlement agreement is included in this benefit.
How to Obtain the Benefit…To obtain the Separation/Divorce/Annulment Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182. If there is a conflict of interest for the law firm whereby both spouses/domestic partners are members of the Legal Plan (whether both are covered by the Fund or by this Fund and another entity that has retained the Panel Law Firm’s Legal Plan), or if it would be ethically improper to represent either member, or if a State other than New York has jurisdiction, then separate arrangements will be made for retention of outside counsel to represent the members. If outside counsel is necessary, the Law Firm will be liable up to a maximum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) per member for outside counsel.
If the matter becomes contested, the member may continue with the Legal Services attorney, but will be billed at the reduced hourly rate ($250). A matter will be deemed “contested” when the situation requires extensive negotiation of terms and/or adversarial representation as determined by the retained attorney in order to maintain, defend, advance or assert the member’s interests.
Who is eligible…Any covered member or eligible dependent.
What is the Benefit…This benefit provides legal advice and representation in the change of name procedure. The attorney will file all appropriate papers and represent the member in the change of name process. All publication costs and other related expenses will be paid by member.
How to Obtain the Benefit…To obtain the Change of Name Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member or eligible dependent.
What is the Benefit…This benefit provides a covered member with consultation in matters involving problems with immigration. The attorney will offer assistance and guidance in how to handle a particular matter. This benefit does not include legal services requiring the formal appearance of the Legal Services Plan attorneys before any tribunal or Immigration and Naturalization Service of the U.S.
How to Obtain the Benefit… To obtain the Immigration Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member.
What is the Benefit…A covered member is entitled to up to five (5) hours of free legal services regarding the defense of Summary Proceedings in connection with the covered members’ primary residence and regarding a petition which specifically names the covered member as a respondent in an eviction proceeding. This coverage is available once in any 12 month period commencing with initial defense.
How to obtain the Benefit… To obtain the Eviction Defense Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member.
What is the Benefit…This benefit provides a covered member with representation in matters involving problems with a foreclosure in connection with the covered member’s primary residence and regarding a petition which specifically names the covered member as a respondent. This benefit includes free representation (maximum 10 hours) and thereafter at the reduced hourly rate of $250.
How to obtain the Benefit… To obtain the Foreclosure Defense Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member and his/her eligible spouse.
What is the Benefit…This benefit provides a covered member and spouse with legal representation for all necessary legal services which the preparation of a joint (or individual petition, if only the member is filing for bankruptcy protection) U.S. Bankruptcy petition under Chapter 7 may require including court appearances at Section 341 meeting of creditors. Also included is assistance in completing all credit counseling requirements regarding both filing of a petition and discharge of debts. This benefit does not include any motions, or reaffirmation agreements. The member and/or spouse must pay all Bankruptcy Court filing fees in advance of representation under this benefit. This benefit includes free representation as long as proceeding is uncontested. If additional services are required representation is available at the reduced hourly rate of $250 or a 30% reduction from flat fee.
How to Obtain the Benefit… To obtain the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member or eligible dependent.
What is the Benefit…This benefit provides a covered member or his/her eligible dependent with consultation and negotiation in matters involving problems with creditors. Attorneys will advise members or their eligible dependent regarding their rights under the Federal Fair Debt Collector Practices Act which governs collector practices and will provide assistance in negotiating with a credit card company to suspend or lower obligation and offer a restructure of the debt. This benefit includes free consultation and five (5) hours of representation.
How to obtain the Benefit… To obtain the Debt Consolidation Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member or eligible dependent.
What is the Benefit…This benefit provides a covered member and eligible dependent with consultation in matters concerning any traffic violation and representation in court in all instances where, in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle, a traffic ticket has been issued, and, due to the accumulation of points or the severity of violation, a license may be revoked or suspended upon conviction. Representation in court under this benefit is available once in a twelve (12) month period beginning the day you first consult with the Plan attorneys concerning a traffic-related matter. This benefit includes trial if necessary.
How to obtain the Benefit… To obtain the Traffic Matter Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member.
What is the Benefit…This benefit provides a covered member with consultation in matters concerning any misdemeanor or felony charge against the member. This benefit does not include any federal charges.
This benefit includes free consultation and the availability of representation at trial or in court at the reduced hourly rate of $250 or a 30% reduction from flat fee. Federal jurisdiction matters are not covered.
How to obtain the Benefit… To obtain the Criminal Defense Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member and eligible dependent.
What is the Benefit….Representation is available from the Plan attorneys at $250.00 per hour for matters that are specifically covered by the Legal Services Plan but require payment for contested matters or additional hours of representation under the terms of the plan.
How to Obtain the Benefit…To obtain the Reduced Fee Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member or dependent.
Personal Injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means that the attorney works for a percentage of the recovery rather than an hourly rate. If there is no recovery you don’t pay any legal fees. The law sets the percentage of the contingent fees and the plan has offered a reduction of that fee.
What is the Benefit….In the event that any covered member or dependent is injured in a car accident, slip and fall accident, dog-bite, product liability, premises accident, etc., your Plan attorney will reduce the contingent fee by 10%. This reduction can save an injured victim many thousands of dollars. Services are available for medical or other professional malpractice matters, however, a reduction in the fees for those matters is not provided under this benefit.
How to Obtain the Benefit…To obtain the Personal Injury Benefit, contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1 (800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible….Any covered member or dependent.
What is the Benefit….Representation in Probate court re the probate of a Will or administration of an Estate at a 20% reduction from the standard attorney fee. The fee must be less than the allowable amount for Executor’s/Administrator’s commission.
How to obtain the Benefit…to obtain the Estate and Probate Benefit ….Contact the Legal Services Plan Attorney office to request an appointment at 1(800) 832-5182.
Who is eligible…Any covered member and dependent.
What is the Benefit…If you or a family member have been defrauded by a stock broker maybe we can help you recover some of your losses. If a broker has violated his fiduciary duty to you by selling you stock that has a high level of risk, he may be liable for your losses. As an investor, you have a stated “risk tolerance” profile. If the broker sells you stock that is outside that risk tolerance, he may have violated his fiduciary duty to you and may be liable for losses.
We will evaluate your situation and in the event, that we determine that you are the victim of stock broker fraud we will accept retainer on the case on a contingency fee basis. Your Legal Services Plan attorney will reduce his contingent fee by 10%. If there is no recovery, you don’t owe the attorney anything for legal services.
How to obtain the Benefit…to obtain the Stock Broker Fraud Benefit, contact the office to speak to a Legal Services Plan Attorney and request an appointment for the at 1 (800) 832-5182.
