Your OBLIC Policy includes defense cost reimbursement for disciplinary actions. To take advantage of this benefit under a professional liability policy, policyholders must report the letter of inquiry or notice of grievance promptly upon receipt. 

The benefit provides reimbursement for legal fees and expenses for hiring an attorney to assist with defending against professional misconduct complaints. It provides up to $5,000 for responding to a letter of inquiry, and up to an additional $15,000 if a formal complaint is made.  No deductible applies to this coverage.

For this coverage to apply, (1) the insured attorney must report the grievance during the same policy period in which the attorney learned of the grievance, (2) the conduct that gave rise to the grievance must have occurred during a time in which the lawyer had legal malpractice insurance in effect, and (3) the alleged conduct must have arisen from “Professional Services” to others.  

To report a grievance and request coverage, send a written request for coverage with copies of the Letter of Inquiry or Certified Complaint by fax to (614)488-7936 or email [email protected]. 

For further details, see XIV. Limited Legal Fee and Expense Coverage for Disciplinary Actions in your OBLIC Professional Liability Claims Made and Reported Policy.  

As always, if you have any questions, please contact us here at OBLIC.

This information is made available solely for loss prevention purposes, which may include claim prevention techniques designed to minimize the likelihood of incurring a claim for legal malpractice. This information does not establish, report, or create the standard of care for attorneys. The material is not a complete analysis of the topic and should not be construed as providing legal advice. Please conduct your own appropriate legal research in this area. If you have questions about this email’s content and are an OBLIC policyholder, please contact us using the information above.