Attorney List
The following attorneys and law firms are approved
by the insurance company:
Brim, Arnett, Robinett, Hanner, Conners & McCormick, P.C.
Oscar Alvarez
Bill & Cynthia Buechler
Randy Duke
Daniel Ortiz
Walsh, Anderson, Brown, Schulze & Aldridge, P.C.
The Dunham Law Firm
Essmyer, Tritico & Rainey, L.L.P.
The Law Offices of James Darnell
Watson, Caraway, Harrington, Nelson, Midkiff & Luningham, L.L.P.
The Law Offices of Ruben Pena
Langley & Banack, Inc.
Flowers Davis, P.L.L.C.
The approved list above is subject to change at any time and without notice.
Attorneys and law firms were selected using the following criteria:
- Experience in education and employment law
- Quality of services and responsiveness to clients’ and ATPE’s needs,
demonstrated by user feedback
- Efficiency, billing practices and compliance with claims procedures
- Competitive rates
- Availability and geographic location of practice
- Ability to constructively interact with all components of the program
- Cooperation with the claims administrator and insurance carrier
- Philosophy and approach compatible with those of ATPE
- Demonstrated sound judgment
- Adequate professional liability insurance as determined by the company
ATPE members may submit recommendations for attorneys to be considered for
approval to: AIG, Jorge Godreau, Claims Director, 175 Water Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10038.
What to Expect from a Private-Practice Attorney
YOU MUST CALL ATPE BEFORE HIRING AN ATTORNEY**.
I have called ATPE for legal assistance and have been referred to an attorney in private
practice. What should I expect?
Understanding your rights as a legal services consumer
will ensure that the representation process goes smoothly. It is important to:
- Make sure your attorney understands your goals.
- Understand what your attorney can do for you.
- Discuss potential outcomes of your case.
- Have good rapport with your attorney.
- Ask your attorney a question about anything that you do not understand or that concerns you regarding the
representation.
What are the limits to my legal benefit?
Your professional liability insurance policy pays*:
- Up to $10,000 per claim for the defense of covered employment matters subject
to $20,000 aggregate per Insured member.
- Up to $10,000 per claim and aggregate for the defense of criminal allegations.
- Up to $5,000 per bail bond.
If other insurance is available to you covering a loss also covered by this
policy, then this policy shall apply in excess of and shall not contribute with such other insurance. Please
notify any other potential insurance carriers of your claim.
What will my private-practice attorney do for me?
Your attorney should:
- Represent your best interests zealously.
- Counsel you realistically regarding the representation.
- Keep you informed of new developments in your case.
- Submit a claim as required by the insurance company to obtain payment,
if you and your attorney have agreed on that method of payment.
Your attorney may:
- Ask you to sign an assignment form to authorize direct payment from the
insurance company to the attorney.
- Contact other parties on your behalf.
- Bill for both the attorney’s time spent assisting you, as well as actual expenses (example: long
distance, copying, mail, expert fees …).
What if I have concerns about my legal representation?
As a party in a legal proceeding it is beneficial to:
- Understand that patience may be necessary as the legal process may be time-consuming.
- Discuss your concerns regarding the representation with your attorney.
- Contact ATPE if concerns persist.
Every member who utilizes a private-practice attorney will receive a quality
control survey when representation is concluded soliciting feedback that will be reviewed and acted upon as appropriate.
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*The
Educators Professional Liability Insurance Policy is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh,
Pa. All coverage is subject to the express terms of the master insurance policy issued to ATPE and kept on file at the ATPE
state office. Coverage applies to an insured’s activities within his/her professional capacity.
Click here to download a summary in PDF format. Eligibility for ATPE
membership benefits is contingent upon ATPE’s receipt of the entire annual membership dues amount for your appropriate membership
category. A disruption in payments to an authorized payment plan may result in discontinuation of such benefits, including
cancellation of insurance coverage for the entire membership year, retroactive to the earlier of Sept. 1 or your membership date.
**If you need to consult an attorney on a criminal
matter and are not able to reach the state
office, please consult any attorney necessary and
contact the ATPE state office at (800) 777-ATPE or
through MLSIS at your earliest opportunity.
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