To view the list of approved attorneys, click here.
UFF provides members access to legal representation for professional, personal and association activities. The five legal services programs operated and monitored through the Florida Education Association Legal Services Division are outlined below:
EDUCATORS EMPLOYMENT LIABILITY
The Educators
Employment Liability (EEL) program is an insurance program that protects members from personal financial
liability for incidents arising out of their employment, including participation
in peer review activities. Individuals are automatically covered by
the EEL Program as a benefit of membership in the United Faculty of Florida.
The program provides insurance coverage for situations which result in damages
to someone other than the member. EEL coverage includes:
Liability Benefits
Payment of the legal costs
of defending civil suits (other than suits concerning civil rights) brought
against a member in
the course of his/her employment; and up to $1,000,000 per member, per occurrence,
in damages assessed against the member as a result of such suits. The policy
also provides up to $250,000 for defense, settlements or judgments and other
supplementary payments for suits concerning civil rights.
Legal Fees for the Defense of Criminal Proceedings
Reimbursement
for attorney's fees and other legal costs up to #35,000 when a member is
charged with violating a criminal statue
in the course of his/her employment and the member is exonerating of these
charge. Reimbursement up to $1,000 of bail bond premium when a member must
post a bond as the result of an occurrence arising out of the member's employment.
To access the program, members must first report claims to the UFF office.
The Attorney Referral Program assist UFF members in obtaining personal legal services at reduced cost. The program is administered through a network of law firms throughout the state which have been recommended by local associations. The participating firms agree to provide certain legal services to members at rates below their usual customary fees. Members can select any participating attorney from the program list.
Members are entitled to two free 30 minute consultations with a participating attorney each program year. If a member decides to retain a program attorney for personal legal services beyond the initial consultation, the member is entitled to a 30% discount for legal work done in five core areas:
Purchase or sale of property for residential purposes, disputes with landlords, property line disputes, problems with zoning laws or land use regulations.
Preparation of wills, assistance with estate planning, representation of a member who is named executor or administrator of an estate, guardianship proceedings.
Representation in proceedings for annulment, divorce, separation, alimony, custody, child support, adoption, paternity and name change.
Defense of charges of operating under the influence, reckless driving or other offenses involving potential loss of license, financial liability in excess of $50, or jail sentence.
The Association Professional Liability Program (APL) protects members and staff for any actual or alleged personal injury, breach of duty, neglect, error, misstatement, act or omission that occurs during the course of authorized union activities. Authorized union activities are those approved by UFF and its affiliates for the purpose of carrying out the objectives of the organization.
Coverage under the policy is $1.5 million per occurrence for the payment of damages. Attorney fees and other defense expenses are paid directly by FEA and NEA, and all claims must be directed to FEA Legal Services through the UFF office
The ULSP is a jointly sponsored National Education Association and Florida Education Association legal defense program designed to provide members and local affiliates appropriate legal assistance in employment related legal proceedings. The Legal Services office manages the program in accordance with National Education Association and FEA guidelines. Typically, cases which involve a dispute between a member or chapter and an employer are eligible for reimbursement under the program.
To access the program, members must notify the UFF office.