Lawyer-to-Lawyer Hotline
Lawyers’ Mutual Insurance Company is proud to provide a lawyer-to-lawyer hotline to its members.
Consult with experienced claims professionals during normal business hours from coverage questions to client issues to circumstances that may result in claims.
This benefit is part of your Lawyers’ Mutual policy at no additional charge.
insider expert adivce
Guidance at your fingertips
A members-only hotline maintained by our in-house claims professionals for guidance regarding general questions.
Lawyers’ Mutual does not provide legal advice on the hotline, but provides guidance and support, along with broad resources and is in place to help you avoid claims, do damage control, and navigate difficult situations.
Next time you find yourself with an ethical dilemma or have a question about how you should handle difficult client relationships, or even a subpoena for your files, call the hotline. Lawyers’ Mutual is more than your insurance carrier, we are your practice partners, here to help.
Frequent Questions
What is the lawyer-to-lawyer hotline?
Lawyers’ Mutual’s lawyer-to-lawyer hotline can be reached at 800-252-2045
and you will be transferred to one of our experienced claims professionals to help
navigate ethical and practical dilemmas you may find yourself encountering in the
practice of law. We may have a solution or approach to the problem you may not have
been aware of.
We always encourage your calls and please note that a hotline call has no effect on
your underwriting record or premium.
How can I determine whether or not to tender a standard claim?
You should never be worried about being overly cautious. A call to our lawyer-to-lawyer
hotline can help assess whether your circumstances constitute a potential claim that
must be reported. Whether you have a potential claim or an actual claim, our in-house
claims professionals on the hotline can instruct you on the tender procedures. If you delay,
there could be adverse consequences so it is wise to err on the side of caution and call
the hotline here 800-252-2045.
We encourage your calls and please note that a hotline call has no effect on your
underwriting record or premium. However, if you wish to tender a claim, you can learn how to tender here.
How do I determine what is covered under my policy?
Our claims professionals are prepared to answer a wide range of coverage questions
whether it is coverage concerns, limitations on territory, fee disgorgement and other
coverage issues for which you may seek clarification.
Understanding your coverage is critical. Click on this link to view a specimen copy of the
Universal Policy. If you have additional questions after the review of your policy, Lawyers’ Mutual’s lawyer-to-lawyer hotline is available to clarify coverage concerns.
How can I avoid fee disputes?
Arguably the most important risk management tool a lawyer possesses is a well-crafted
fee agreement.
The financial wellness of your practice depends on healthy and robust billing protocols
in order to avoid disputes over fees with your clients that can damage relationships.
Manage the risk of potential fee disputes with the following:
- Discuss fees and payment obligations at the inception of the client relationship
and make sure such obligations are crystal clear in the engagement letter - Prepare a comprehensive budget that the client is likely to incur
- Actively employ client engagement screening procedures
- Consider requiring a client retainer if you have any doubt of the client’s financial
well-being - Do not over promise or underdeliver
Finally, be willing to walk away from a bad situation before it gets worse. For options on
how to ethically disengage if a fee dispute arises, you can reach out to Lawyers’
Mutual’s lawyer-to-lawyer hotline.
What steps do I take if I am reported to the State Bar?
Complete the following:
- Review the case in its entirety
- Contact Lawyers’ Mutual’s lawyer-to-lawyer hotline
- Contact outside counsel, if necessary
- Acknowledge communication from the State Bar
Lawyers’ Mutual will reimburse members for reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees
incurred by the Insured, through counsel selected by the Insured, in connection with
Disciplinary Charges brought against the Insured by The State Bar of California or other
licensing board. This supplemental coverage offers up to $50,000 per Policy Period in
connection with defending State Bar charges. The Claim Expense Allowance shall not
apply, and no Deductible will be due with respect to this supplemental coverage.