Legal Benefits FAQ -- Sam Slade

Legal Benefits FAQ -- Sam Slade

About 50% of Americans face a civil legal problem each year, according to Pew Research and it can be challenging to find good, affordable help. And when workers are worried about their ability to secure an attorney that can assist them, it can take a toll on their well-being, productivity, and morale.

To help workers address the personal issues they face and lessen the impact on their work life, an increasing number of companies are offering legal benefits.

What are legal benefits? Legal benefits are a voluntary benefit that provide easy, immediate access to a vetted attorney. The plans typically pay 100% of attorneys’ fees for covered civil and criminal matters such as help with traffic violations, identify theft, divorce or wills.

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How do the plans work? Employees have a choice of attorney from within the plan’s network (or outside of it and they may be reimbursed for some of the costs) and get unlimited access in person, by phone or via email. Some also provide online access to resources like durable power of attorney documents.

Who pays for legal benefits? Employers offer the benefits at little or no cost to the company. That’s because employees pay the monthly premiums via a payroll deduction. There are no deductibles, out-of-pocket costs or claim forms required when a worker uses a network attorney for a covered matter.

How much do legal plans cost employees? Each plan will have different coverage and costs but premiums are typically around $20 a month for an employee-only plan. This cost is significantly less than what an employee would spend for attorneys’ fees, which can be hundreds of dollars an hour.

How do employers benefit from the plans? As a voluntary benefit, adding a legal plan can make your benefit package more attractive in today’s tight labor market. And, when employees need legal services, it’s easier and less expensive for them to get help through the plan, which can reduce their stress and the impact that can have in the workplace.

Sam Slade is Managing Director, Employee Benefits, at The Hilb Group of New England, where he delivers consulting and brokerage services to local employers. He has extensive experience in all aspects of employee benefits, including underwriting, plan design, communications, compliance, and analytics, with a particular focus on alternative funding and self-insurance. Sam lives in South Kingstown with his wife and three sons.