Through the National Education Association NEA Attorney Referral Program eligible members are entitled to two, 30-minute consultation sessions free during each membership year. And, if you need additional legal help, the program lets you get that help at rates below participating attorneys' usual fees.
The Attorney Referral Program is open to all NSEA members and their spouses and dependent children. During any membership year (from September 1 to August 31) eligible members can take advantage of two free, 30-minute consultation sessions with Association-Approved Attorneys. During those sessions, you may discuss almost any legal matter, except income tax preparation.
In addition to the free consultations, members may have specific legal work performed in five "core" areas at a reduction of the participating attorney's usual fees.
The NEA is committed to making sure only qualified and competent attorneys participate in the NEA Attorney Referral Program. Before any attorneys can participate in the program, they must first be approved by both the NEA and the NSEA. Also they must agree to provide service to members at convenient times, including times outside the normal working day.
NSEA members must discuss the fees with the participating attorneys before they render services so there is no misunderstanding about the payment for services. Participating attorneys must be willing to accept payment by installment payment plans or by credit card.
What is covered?
The NEA has identified five "core" areas of personal legal service for coverage under the NEA Attorney Referral Program. Under these areas, participating attorneys will provide a discounted rate for their services:
- Wills and Estates-Assistance with will preparation, estate planning, legal assistance if you are named the executor or administrator of an estate, or legal counsel in guardianship proceedings.
- Real Estate-Purchase or sale of residential property, disputes with landlords, property line controversies, and problems with zoning laws or land-use regulations.
- Domestic Relations-Proceedings for annulment, divorce, separation, alimony, custody, child support, guardianship, adoption, paternity, or name changes.
- Consumer Protection-Disputes with creditors or finance agencies and proceedings with retailers concerning defective merchandise.
- Traffic Violations-Charges of operating under the influence, reckless driving, or other offenses involving the potential loss of license, a jail sentence, or financial liability in excess of $50.
What isn't covered?
There are a few areas where participating attorneys are not required to give NSEA members the discount. Problems such as business dealings, bankruptcies, preparation for a defense in Internal Revenue Service income tax matters, and defense of criminal violations other than the traffic violations covered by the program are not covered under the discount.
Participating attorneys are not permitted to represent a member in any matter in which the adverse party is the NEA, an NEA affiliate, or another NEA member-except in separation or divorce proceedings.
Of course, court costs, filing and service fees, and attorney out-of-pocket expenses are not ordinarily discounted. It's also important to note that if you obtain your own attorney, you won't receive the discount rate, even if that attorney later becomes a participant in the NEA Attorney Referral Program.
What you need to do:
Contact one of our participating attorneys directly and identify yourself as an NEA/NSEA member taking part in the NEA Attorney Referral Program for your free consultation and to investigate your need for additional legal services.
Remember, although each participating attorney has agreed to provide two free, 30-minute consultation sessions, you should discuss with the attorney the fees you will be charged before any consultation session begins. That will help you avoid any misunderstandings.
Click here for a list of particiapting attorneys.
