Frequently Asked Questions

Defense for Intentional Acts

Provides defense to innocent insureds and the insured accused of wrongdoing until the dishonest or fraudulent act has been determined by adjudication.

Career Coverage

Provides protection for legal services over an insured’s entire career, subject to underwriting guidelines.

Consent to Settle

The consent of the Named Insured is required to settle a claim. Even if consent is withheld, the Company will pay for half of the claim expenses incurred subsequent to the refusal.

Deductible Reduced by Mediation

If a claim is resolved within six months by formal mediation, the deductible is reduced by 50% or $12,500, whichever is less.

Automatic Extended Reporting Period

In event of cancellation or nonrenewal, an automatic 30 day Extended Reporting Period will be provided at no additional cost.

Special defense expense benefit for disciplinary actions

This unique feature provides up to $100,000 per policy period, with no deductible, for fees incurred in defending a disciplinary proceeding.

Unlimited “tail” available at no additional charge for death, disability or retirement

Provided the insured has no other available insurance coverage, an unlimited extended reporting period is issued and the premium and deductible waived if an Insured lawyer: – Dies; or – Becomes totally and permanently disabled and unable to practice law; or – If after three continuous years as an insured retires from the practice of law, regardless of age.

Pro Bono coverage

Insureds are covered for their Pro Bono work.

Broad Insured Definition

Definition of Insured includes current firm members and new firm members hired during the policy period. Of counsel and independent contractors are included for acts on behalf of the Named Insured firm.

Subpoena Assistance

Provides for up to $25,000 in legal expense in any matter where a policyholder is called to testify as a witness when the policyholder is not a party in the litigation and has not been retained to testify or give advice.

Loss of Earnings coverage

Provides for reimbursement of expenses up to $500 per day, $10,000 per claim, $50,000 aggregate for attendance at trial or court ordered hearing at the Company’s request.

Worldwide Coverage

The Company may elect to defend and settle claims anywhere in the world.

Career prior acts coverage

Subject to underwriting guidelines, the policy can be endorsed to include career prior acts coverage for individual lawyers.

Unlimited “tail” available

Optional unlimited Extended Reporting Period (“tail”) coverage can be purchased to extend the claim reporting period.

Claim expense outside policy limits

Coverage can be endorsed to provide for claim expense in addition to the policy limits.

First dollar defense

This option allows for the deductible amount to apply only to damages paid under the policy.

Zero deductible

Insureds may have the option to purchase coverage without a deductible.

Mutual Selection of Counsel

The Company may appoint counsel with the consent of the Insured.

Aggregate deductible

Insureds who elect to retain a deductible can limit their exposure to a maximum deductible amount within a single policy period.