Uniformed Division Labor Committee

Legal Defense Plan

Posted On: Oct 10, 2014

The FOP Legal Defense Plan

Sometimes we have problems and conflicts that we can't resolve ourselves. Too often we find ourselves involved in situations where we need experienced, professional help to find the answers. But too often we don't know where to find that assistance or if we can afford it.

Being a UDLC/FOP member, you are entitled to free advice and consultation from an experienced FOP attorney - advice that will let you know exactly where you stand and what you can do to resolve your problem.

And if you need an attorney, the FOP Legal Defense Plan is prepared to represent you.

The Fraternal Order of Police Legal Defense Plan, Inc. was created by the National FOP to administer the FOP Legal Defense Plan, Inc. This program is designed specifically to cover the law enforcement exposures faced by members of the FOP Legal Defense Plan, Inc. by paying legal defense costs on behalf of participating members for the following actions and proceedings:

Coverage A - Administrative (includes Administrative Off-Duty)
Coverage B - Civil
Coverage C – Criminal

The UDLC/FOP allows you to choose any attorney that you wish, but understand that only approved FOP Legal Defense Plan attorneys are covered under the Legal Defense Plan. You may be liable for any and all fees if the attorney you choose is not part of the Plan.

The UDLC Executive Board requests that you please keep the Executive Board Members advised of any developments and/or mitigations related to your case.

If you are enrolled in the Suspension Fund, you are required to contact an Executive Board Member upon receiving your proposed suspension paperwork. Remember you MUST grieve and fight your proposed suspension in order to be eligible for a Suspension Fund payout. Please keep an Executive Board Member or Shop Steward appraised of the progress in your case as it progresses. You are required to notify an Executive Board Member after your case has been finalized to determine how much you will receive. This notification must be done within thirty (30) days of the first day of the start of your suspension or your payout will be forfeited.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Q
A

What is the FOP Legal Defense Plan?
A self-funded ERISA plan that is available to eligible FOP groups and individual members. The Plan provides defense coverage for Administrative proceedings including those arising off-duty and outside the scope of employment, Civil and Criminal actions that arise in the scope of your law enforcement duties.

Q
A

How do I find a Plan attorney if I don't know one in my area?
Contact your local or state lodge for a recommendation; you can also call Sedgwick Claims Management Services for assistance by visiting our website at www.foplegal.com and click on the link for Legal Counsel or call Sedgwick at 866-857-3276.

Q

A

What if I am disciplined administratively by my employer for something that occurred off-duty and not within the scope of employment?
The Legal Defense Plan full-coverage option automatically includes off-duty/out of scope coverage for these situations at no additional expense, with a benefit limit of $5,000 per occurrence.