Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have addressed the most frequently asked questions about participation in the ARAG® Attorney Network. If we still have not answered your question, please contact our Provider Relations Team at 866-ARAGLAW (866-272-4529) or e-mail: Attorneys@ARAGgroup.com. We feel participation in the ARAG Attorney Network is a great opportunity and we would love to tell you all about it.
- Membership Benefits
ARAG – a global leader of legal insurance – provides attorneys an innovative business development model through client referrals within a large employer base. Our legal services are aggressively marketed through the voluntary benefit channel. We offer attorneys a smart and trusted partnership to help build, grow and mange their business. Now, more than ever, the ARAG Attorney Network serves to help people protect their families, finances and futures.
Benefits to You:
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Word-of-mouth referral within a large employer base (including Fortune 500 companies)
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Guaranteed and fast payment directly to you*
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Nationwide networking opportunities with more than 6,400 attorneys
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Access to training and resources from an industry leader – ARAG
*According to the ARAG Fee Schedule.
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- Requirements to Join
- Agree to the terms of the ARAG Network Agreement
- Agree to provide plan members with the covered services indicated on the Attorney Application at the contracted rates
- Be licensed to practice in the state where you accept clients and be in good standing with the relevant regulatory authority
- Maintain a physical office in the state(s) where licensed and practicing law
- Maintain malpractice insurance coverage of at least $100,000 per incident and $300,000 aggregate per year.
About Legal Insurance
- What is legal insurance and how is it distributed?
Legal insurance is based on a traditional healthcare PPO model where members choose a provider from an experienced network base and ARAG pays the attorney directly for covered matters. ARAG aggressively markets its legal program though the voluntary benefit channel of large employers (including Fortune 500 companies). The ARAG Attorney Network serves to help people protect their families, finances and futures.
- Who needs legal insurance?
Everyone has the right to legal protection. Unfortunately many individuals are overwhelmed with the idea of choosing an attorney or feel they cannot afford legal help. In fact, 84% of employees said they believe attorneys are not affordable or accessible. Yet, nearly 70% of employees believe that legal insurance would be useful if offered by their employer.1
In fact, a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) benefits survey reported that of the top 20 “personal services” benefits offered by employers, legal assistance/services demonstrated the highest 5-year growth percentage.2
1 “Measuring the Effects of Legal Life Events on Employees.” conducted by Russell Research and commissioned by ARAG, April, 2007.
2 Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Benefits Survey. 2006.
Application and Referral Process
- How does the application process work?
Attorneys interested in joining the ARAG Attorney Network may submit a completed ARAG Attorney Network Application with W-9 along with a current professional liability insurance declarations page to:
ARAG®
Attention: Provider Relations
P.O. Box 93180
Des Moines, IA 50393-3180
or fax to 515-246-8710Our Provider Relations team will review your application and credentials. Upon acceptance to the Attorney Network, you will receive a welcome letter with additional information.
- How do I refer a colleague to the ARAG Network?
We’re glad you asked! We know that our best attorney prospects are those referred by Network Attorneys. Now you can make your contacts work for you! With our Refer-A-Friend program, anytime we place your attorney referral on the ARAG Attorney Network you will receive $100. There is no limit to the number of referrals you can earn!
To submit a referral: Call 866-ARAGLAW (866-272-4529) or e-mail Attorneys@ARAGgroup.com
Please note that placement of an attorney on the ARAG Network is at ARAG’s sole discretion.
- What if I don't already have liability insurance?
Through our partnership with Marsh you may qualify for liability and health insurance benefits (distributed by Marsh).
- Professional Liability Insurance is a total risk-management solution that protects your business assets. Access is available in all 50 states, subject to specific underwriting and carrier availability. Visit Marsh to learn more.
- Health Insurance Mart gives you the opportunity to offer your employees the advantage of quality health insurance at a price you and they can control. You can easily compare quotes and get referrals to health savings accounts, which enable your employees to save money tax-deferred. Visit Marsh to learn more.
- Professional Liability Insurance is a total risk-management solution that protects your business assets. Access is available in all 50 states, subject to specific underwriting and carrier availability. Visit Marsh to learn more.
- What if I've had complaints, legal actions or convictions filed against me?
We review these situations on a case-by-case basis. Please complete and submit our Disclosure Questionnaire along with the Application. We will review both and contact you within 10-15 days.
Marketing your Practice
- How do ARAG plan members find a Network Attorney?
Plan members can view Network Attorney profiles and locate a Network Attorney online by using the Attorney Finder on their Legal Benefits Web Site or by contacting ARAG's Customer Care Center.
Of course, the best way to grow your referral base is to provide excellent service to each and every client you serve. Satisfied plan members may refer you to their fellow employees and non-member friends and family.
- How can I build my network with other attorneys?
Averaging 25 years of experience practicing law our Network Attorneys are a great resource for each other. Once you become a member you’ll have immediate access to over 6,400 attorneys nationwide. Network Attorneys enjoy the ability to contact one another when serving a member across jurisdictional and practice boundaries or just to share thoughts on recent legal news. Attorneys can search our online Attorney Finder by areas of practice, ZIP, city or county.
There may be additional opportunities to meet one another throughout the year at ARAG hosted CLE’s, conferences and tradeshow events.
- What if I am too busy to handle a claim for an ARAG 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.
If you decline a case, please have the member contact the ARAG Customer Care Center at 866-ARAGLAW (866-272-4529) for further assistance.
- Am I allowed to charge a retainer for my services?
You may charge a retainer for services that are not covered under the terms of the plan. You may also charge a retainer for expenses incurred such as filing fees and court costs. You may not charge a retainer for services that are covered under the terms of the plan.
- What can I do to market my name to ARAG members?
We encourage you to publicize your status as an ARAG Network Attorney by including
"Proud Member – ARAG® Attorney Network" in the approved advertising vehicles shown below:
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Office signage
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Letterhead and business cards
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Print media (trade journals, newspapers, telephone directories, etc.)
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Internet web page which may include a link to our homepage, www.ARAGgroup.com.
Network Attorneys must furnish ARAG with copies of all advertising that includes reference to ARAG. The use of the ARAG name is prohibited on promotional materials such as brochures, pens, key chains, coffee mugs, etc.
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- As an ARAG Network Attorney, can I directly contact ARAG members or employers that offer legal plans from ARAG?
ARAG Network Attorneys may not contact ARAG members or their employers directly. If you are interested in working with a specific employer or group of members, please e-mail your request to Attorneys@ARAGgroup.com.
Accessing the Network Attorney Web Site
- How do I log in to the Network Attorney Web Site?
First time visitors will need to create a user name and password before accessing the Network Attorney Web Site.
To Create Your User Name and Profile:
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Access the ARAG web site at www.ARAGgroup.com/Attorneys
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Select “Attorney Login,” then “Create a user name and password”
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Input your Attorney ID (located on your Attorney ID Card) and primary business ZIP code
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Create a user name, password and three security phrases
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Enter your e-mail address
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You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your registration
Once registered, you can access the Network Attorney Web Site. Choose the “My Profile” link to: select areas of law, set contact information and register for direct deposit authorization.
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- What if I forgot my user name or password?
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If you have forgotten your password click on the link under the password box that says, “Forgot your password?” You will be prompted to enter your User Name, answer a security question and enter a new Password.
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If your account is locked because you entered your password incorrectly, you will be prompted to enter your Username, Attorney ID, answer a security question, and enter a new Password.
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If you have questions or need additional help to access the Network Attorney Web Site, contact a Provider Relations Specialist at: 866-ARAGLAW (866-272-4529).
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