Attorney Referral Program

ISEA members know they can count on their Association for help in employment-related matters, but did you know we can also provide help with your personal legal problems?

Through the NEA Attorney Referral Program, eligible members are entitled to two, 30-minute consultation sessions free during each membership year. And if you need additional legal help, the program lets you get that help at rates below participating attorneys’ usual fees.

Attorney Referral Program is open to all Unified members and their spouses and dependent children. During any membership year (from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31), eligible members can take advantage of two, free, 30-minute consultation sessions with Association-approved attorneys. During those sessions, you may discuss any legal matter except income tax preparation.

In addition to the free consultations, members may have specific legal work performed in five “core” areas at a 30 percent reduction of the participating attorney’s normal fees.

The NEA is committed to making sure that only qualified and competent attorneys participate in the NEA Attorney Referral Program. Before any attorneys can participate in Iowa, they must first be approved by both the NEA and the ISEA. Also, they must agree to provide service to members at times that are convenient to members—times outside the normal working day.

In addition, participating attorneys must agree to discuss fees before they render services and they must be willing to accept payment by installment payment plans or by credit card.

What is covered?

The NEA has identified five “core” areas of personal legal service for coverage under the NEA Attorney Referral Program:

Wills and estates. At a 30 percent discount rate, you can have a participating attorney prepare your will, assist with estate planning, provide legal assistance if you are named the executor or administrator of an estate, or offer legal counsel in guardianship proceedings.

Real estate. Participating attorneys will provide discounted assistance with the purchase or sale of residential property, disputes with landlords, property line controversies, and problems with zoning laws or land-use regulations.

Domestic relations. Participating attorneys will provide representation to members in proceedings for annulment, divorce, separation, alimony, custody, child support, guardianship, adoption, paternity, or name changes.

Consumer protection. Participating attorneys will provide assistance at the discounted fee for disputes with creditors or finance agencies and proceedings with retailers concerning defective merchandise.

Traffic violations. You can receive legal representation, at a 30 percent discount, to handle charges of operating under the influence, reckless driving, or other offenses involving the potential loss of license, a jail sentence, or financial liability in excess of $50.

What isn’t covered?

There are a few areas where participating attorneys are not required to give members the 30 percent discount. Problems such as business dealings, bankruptcies, and preparation of a defense in Internal Revenue Service income tax matters are not covered under the 30 percent discount.

The 30 percent discount also does not apply to the defense of criminal violations other than the traffic violations covered by the Program.

Participating attorneys are not permitted to represent a member in any matter in which the adverse party is the NEA, an NEA affiliate, or another NEA member—except in separation or divorce proceedings.

Of course, court costs, filing and service fees, and attorney out-of-pocket expenses are not ordinarily discounted.

It's also important to note that if you obtain your own attorney, you won’t receive the discount rate, even if that attorney later becomes a participant in the NEA Attorney Referral Program.

What you need to do

You may contact the attorney directly—identifying yourself as an NEA member participating in the NEA Attorney Referral Program—for your free consultation and to investigate your need for additional legal services.

Remember, although each participating attorney has agreed to provide two, free, 30-minute consultation sessions, you should discuss with the attorney the fees you will be charged before any consultation session begins. That will help you avoid any misunderstandings.

For a list of participating attorneys, contact your UniServ Unit office or send an e-mail to Robin Burkhalter at ISEA headquarters.