Sometimes you need legal help. Whether it's a complicated document to be signed or a legal question for which you need advice, it would be comforting to know that a lawyer is available. The UFCW, in cooperation with the AFL-CIO's Union Privilege Benefits Programs, introduces Union Privilege Legal Services -- quality, affordable legal services available as a benefit of your UFCW membership.

Available to UFCW Members in Good Standing
This vital member benefit is for the use of UFCW members, their spouses and dependents. All matters are handled between you and the participating attorney on a strictly confidential basis. Only your attorney will know you are using the program.

You are Entitled to These Program Benefits:
FREE Consultation   Meet with a participating attorney on any matter you choose. While there is no limit on the number of consultations you may have (provided each is about a separate matter), there is a 30 minute limit on any one consultation.

FREE Document Review   Important papers - leases, insurance policies, installment sales contracts, just to name a few - are carefully reviewed. You are provided an oral explanation of terms and your specific questions are answered. Written evaluations are not part of this service nor are documents written by you or for use in a business capacity.

FREE Follow-Up Services   Sometimes a problem can be solved by having your lawyer write a letter or make a phone call on your behalf. If the participating lawyer you consult thinks so, the attorney will write the letter or make the call with no cost to you.

30% DISCOUNT on Additional Services   For more complex legal matters, participating lawyers will charge only 70% of the lawyer's normal fee. Smaller discounts apply in contingent fee cases (where the lawyer's fee comes out of any recovery or award) and on business matters.

WRITTEN Fee Agreement   Your participating attorney will provide you with an agreement on fees. This protects you and prevents any surprises.

QUALITY Control   Each time you use Union Privilege Legal Services, you will be asked to evaluate your lawyer and the provided service. Your lawyer will provide a simple, short form to be returned to the program administrator. You choose whether you wish to identify yourself.

GRIEVANCE Procedure   In the unlikely event of a disagreement with your lawyer regarding legal fees or other matters, the program will try to resolve the dispute through informal mediation or, if necessary, arbitration.

Excluded Matters
Because this is a union program, matters involving any union-related organization or union official are not included. In addition, a participating lawyer is not obligated to take any case and may decline if he or she chooses.

Participating Lawyers
Simply call a participating attorney when you need to use the program. Identify yourself as a UFCW member. To find a participating attorney near you, use the Union Privilege Attorney Database.