A critical incident, administrative investigation, or civil claim can develop quickly, often forcing you to make important decisions under pressure. That's not the time to start searching for an attorney, comparing qualifications, or figuring out who's available after hours.
Having an attorney in mind doesn't mean you expect something to go wrong. It means you've taken a proactive step to protect yourself, your career, and your future. Here's how to begin your search, evaluate your options, and prepare before the need arises.
Your local lodge leader is a valuable starting point. Lodge leaders often know which attorneys regularly represent law enforcement officers in your area, and they can share insight from other members' experiences, including an attorney's familiarity with local agencies, administrative procedures, and the types of matters officers may face.
Consider asking:
Which attorneys have represented members in our area?
What types of matters do they handle?
Are they familiar with our agency and its procedures?
How can they be reached during a critical incident or after hours?
Your lodge leader can help you identify potential attorneys, but the choice is yours. Speak directly with any attorney you're considering to determine whether they meet your needs.
Law enforcement officers may face criminal, administrative, or civil proceedings, and attorneys may handle one or several of these areas. Look for experience that matches the types of matters you could encounter.
Ask a prospective attorney:
Do you regularly represent law enforcement officers?
What experience do you have with criminal, administrative, or civil defense?
Are you familiar with critical incidents and agency investigations?
What geographic area do you serve?
Who would handle my matter and communicate with me?
How do you respond to after-hours calls?
As you consider your options, think about the attorney’s experience, availability, and approach to communication. An initial conversation can help you decide whether the attorney is a good fit for your needs.
Plan Attorneys must meet requirements such as being authorized to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction, carrying professional liability insurance, making specified disclosures, and agreeing to follow the Plan's attorney guidelines and administrative procedures.
Choosing a Plan Attorney also carries a financial benefit: for an eligible claim, legal services from a Plan Attorney are covered in full, subject to the Plan's terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. Different benefit limits and requirements apply if you choose an attorney who is not a Plan Attorney. A Plan Attorney can reduce uncertainty about how legal fees will be paid, so you can focus on your case.
These requirements and benefits matter, but they don't replace your own evaluation. Attorneys who provide services under the Plan are not employees or agents of the Plan. The attorney-client relationship is between you and the attorney, and the Plan does not recommend or guarantee any attorney's skills or expertise.
You have the right to select an attorney of your choice, subject to the Plan's terms, conditions, and coverage limits.
Our attorney search feature makes it easier to find Plan Attorneys who serve your area.
Search by attorney name, ZIP code, city, or state, and filter by criminal, administrative, or civil defense. Listings may include the attorney's firm, location, phone number, after-hours number, email address, case types, and service area.
Once you find a potential attorney, reach out directly. Discuss their experience and availability, confirm they can take your matter, then save their regular and after-hours contact information somewhere you can access quickly.
Don't wait for an incident to occur. Talk with your local lodge leader, research the Plan Attorneys in your area, and make an informed choice before you need one.
Visit foplegal.com/attorney-search to begin your search.