What can the Legal Services Plan do for me?

If you are an eligible member or retiree, a Plan attorney can handle a wide variety of civil matters for you. Representation generally includes consultation with you, legal research, drafting of documents and pleadings, negotiations on your behalf with adverse parties, and, in litigated cases, appearing with the member in court.

Will the Plan handle a problem involving my job?

No. Other personnel, business agents, Division Directors and Deputy Directors, will assist you with job related matters. The Legal Services Plan is designed to help members with legal disputes and transactions that involve matters outside the workplace.

Do I have to pay for Plan services?

You will only have to pay for services if you use more than 50 hours of legal services in a 12 month period. Generally, most cases can be concluded in far less than 50 hours. In all instances, however, members will be responsible for the first $150.00 of court filing fees and other miscellaneous costs such as process server fees. Under the recently instituted Litigation Benefit, the plan covers the next $500.00 of case-related costs.

Can the Legal Services Plan represent me in a matter outside New York State?

Generally not. The Plan is restricted to the greater New York metropolitan area and does not include New Jersey, Connecticut or Pennsylvania.

How do I arrange to see a Plan lawyer?

You simply call the Legal Services Plan at (212) 924-1220 and you will be given an appointment, provided you are eligible for services and your problem is a covered matter. On the date and time of your appointment, you will meet with a lawyer or a legal assistant at the Plan's offices in the Union Headquarters at 216 West 14th Street, New York, New York.

Do you know where I can get some legal advice about a problem not connected with the job?

Members should call the Legal Services Plan at (212) 924-1220 to see if the Plan can provide advice, representation or assistance.