What are the benefits of being a Texas Legal Participating Attorney?
Texas Legal offers attorneys a smart and trusted partnership to help build, grow and manage their business.
In addition, Texas Legal offers you:
- Guaranteed and Prompt Payment for Covered Services.
- Listing in the Texas Legal Attorney Finder at www.TexasLegal.org.
- No fees to participate.
How do I become a Participating Attorney?
You may become a Participating Attorney with Texas Legal by completing a Texas Legal Attorney Application, providing proof of your current Professional Liability Insurance (PLI), providing a W-9, and by being in good standing with the Texas State Bar.
What are the plan requirements?
- Agree to the terms of the Texas Legal Attorney Agreement.
- Agree to provide plan members with the covered services indicated on the Texas Legal Attorney Application at the rates indicated on the Texas Legal Fee Schedule.
- Be licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Maintain Professional Liability Coverage of at least $100,000 per claim and $300,000 per year aggregate.
How much does it cost to join?
There are no fees to join, no waiting periods, and the process is easy.
How does the application process work?
Attorneys interested in joining the Texas Legal Attorney Panel may submit a completed application and an attorney agreement, W9 form, and a current professional liability insurance declaration page by mail, email, or fax:
Email: attorneys@TexasLegal.org
Fax: (512) 327-0163
Mail: Texas Legal
7500 Rialto Boulevard
Building One, Suite 120
Austin, Texas 78735
Our Attorney Services Team will review your application and credentials.
How long does it take to become a Texas Legal Participating Attorney?
Texas Legal will review your application and contact you within 30 days regarding acceptance to the Panel. Upon acceptance, you will receive a Texas Legal Welcome Kit with additional details on how to get started.
What if I don’t already have liability insurance?
Texas Legal requires liability insurance from Participating Attorneys. Texas Legal does not endorse or currently partner with a professional liability insurance company. The following carrier is commonly used by Texas Legal Participating Attorneys:
TLIE – Texas Lawyers’ Insurance Exchange | (800) 252-9332 | www.tlie.org
Do I have to renew my participation each year?
Texas Legal will contact you each fall to confirm your continued participation. If you do not respond, you will be termed.
How do Texas Legal members find Participating Attorneys?
Plan members can locate a Participating Attorney online by using the Texas Legal Attorney Finder. Satisfied plan members may refer you to fellow co-workers, friends and family (members and/or non-members).
What can I do to market my name to Texas Legal members?
We encourage you to publicize your status as a Texas Legal Participating Attorney by including: “Texas Legal Participating Attorney” on office signage, letterhead, business cards, internet web pages, etc.
How do I confirm that my information in the Texas Legal Attorney Finder database is up to date?
Texas Legal recommends checking the Texas Legal Attorney Finder regularly, and contacting Texas Legal about any information or business changes to ensure continued accuracy. You can email changes to attorneys@TexasLegal.org at any time.
How do I access the Texas Legal Attorney Finder?
Whom should I contact for assistance?
Attorney Services is available to provide you with one-on-one services to ensure your needs are met. Contact us when you need assistance on filing your claim, questions about covered services, claims status, updating your attorney profile, and anything related to your practice. You can reach attorney services at attorneys@TexasLegal.org or 512-327-1372.
When will I receive payment?
Payment consideration is processed every Friday. Claims received Monday-Friday, will be processed the following Friday. For example: Claim received Monday, June 2nd, will be processed for payment consideration on Friday, June 13th.
When should I submit the claim for payment?
Claims can be submitted once services have been completed. Claims must be submitted within 90 days of the final date of service, or the claim will be denied. Texas Legal finalizes and issues claims payment within 7-10 business days of receipt. A claim is processed for payment the week after it has been received. You may submit online here
Am I allowed to charge a retainer for my services?
Texas Legal members should only be billed directly for out of pocket expenses like filing fees, photocopies, etc. Balance billing is not allowed for covered services. You may charge a retainer for services that are not covered under the terms of the plan. You may not charge a retainer for services that are covered under the terms of the plan. For services covered under the hourly rate only, the client is responsible for billed hours beyond the maximum hours.
What can I charge the client under this Plan?
Texas Legal Participating Attorneys agree to accept the payment in full for Covered Services rendered to a member and shall not make any additional charges to the Participant for such Covered Services. Participating Attorneys may charge incidental fees for postage, document preparation, such as faxing and copying charges.
Do I have to accept cases for a Texas Legal member?
Under the terms of your agreement, you may decline a case if your caseload will not permit it or if you have a conflict of interest. However, you may not decline a case based solely on fees.
Do I have to confirm each Texas Legal client is eligible?
Yes. Please contact Texas Legal via the online authorization form to confirm eligibility and obtain an authorization number prior to rendering services. Failure to confirm eligibility will result in payment delay or claim denial.