Attorney Agreement

TYPE OF ACCOUNT (CHOOSE ONE):

SAVINGS ACCOUNT

CHECKING ACCOUNT

Choose ONE payment method below. If a payment method is not chosen, payment will be madeby paper check.

Complete this section if you wish to have claim payments directly deposited into your bank account viaelectronic funds transfer (EFT).

ARAGP.O. Box 93180Des Moines, IA 50393-3180866-ARAGLAW866-272-4529515-246-8710 Fax

NETWORK ATTORNEY APPL ICAT ION GUIDEw w w . A R A G g r o u p . c o m

093008_0108

Why should I consider partnering with aset fee program?When you join the ARAGAttorney Network you will save onmarketing costs associated with obtaining new clientsbecause we’ll direct plan members right to you. You willalso save on administrative costs. ARAG pays you directlyso there are no billing, collecting or “write off” costsassociated with services provided to plan members. Inaddition, you can expect to develop a relationship with yoursatisfied plan members which will lead them back to you formatters outside of their legal plan coverage. Last, but notleast, satisfied plan members generally refer their friendsand family to their Network Attorney. These are additionalout-of-network leads you may have an opportunity todevelop at no additional marketing costs to you.

How will I know my application hasbeen accepted?Our Provider Relations team will review your applicationand credentials. Upon acceptance to the Attorney Network,you will receive a welcome letter with additional details.

What happens after I join theARAG Attorney Network?Your name and contact information will be available toplan members through our Customer Care Center. Plus,members seeking legal assistance will have informationabout you and your firm right at their fingertips through ourweb site.

Do I need to practice in all the areas of lawcovered under a legal plan?No. As part of the membership application, we give youan opportunity to list your area(s) of concentration. Ourgoal is to send potential clients to you in your chosenareas of practice.

Is there a fee to participate?No. There is no fee to participate in the ARAGAttorneyNetwork.

How do I get paid?Network Attorneys complete and submit claim forms forcompensation according to a member’s legal plan. Somemembers have all attorney fees covered by ARAG andothers pay a portion of attorney fees.

Am I required to take ARAG clients?No. ARAG does not require Network Attorneys to takeevery ARAG client that contacts them. We understand thatmany circumstances prohibit representation such asconflicts of interest, current case load, specificrequirements of a case, and the timeliness of a case. Wedo ask that an ARAG case is never turned down becauseof attorney fees. This and more is covered in our ARAGNetwork Attorney Agreement available for review at:www.ARAGgroup.com.

Can I continue to work with non-ARAG clients?Yes. Membership in the ARAGAttorney Network does notpreclude an attorney from work with their current clientbase or from building it further.

Frequently Asked QuestionsFAMILY

Administrative - Immigration

Administrative - School Issues

Administrative - Social Security,

Medicaid, Veterans

Adoption

Divorce/Separation/Annulment -

Contested

Uncontested

Domestic Violence

Guardianship/Conservatorship

Proceedings

Name Change

Post Decree

Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreement

Criminal - Defense of Felony Charges

Criminal - Expungement

Criminal - Habeas Corpus Proceedings

Criminal - Misdemeanor

Juvenile Court Proceedings

Insanity or Infirmity Proceedings

Civil Matters

Estate Administration & Estate Closing

Trusts

Elder Law

FINANCES

Administrative - State and Local Tax

Bankruptcy - Chapter 13

IRS Audit Protection

IRS Collection Defense

Consumer Protection - Defendant

Consumer Protection - Plaintiff

Credit Report/Rating Dispute

Debt Collection Defense

Administrative - Zoning Variances

and/or Building Codes

Landlord/Tenant

Neighbor Dispute

Personal Property Disputes

Purchase/Sale Home

Real Estate Dispute

Refinance

Traffic - Administrative Motor Vehicles

Traffic - Driving Privilege Protection

Traffic - Defense of Driving Under

the Influence

Traffic - Minor Traffic Offenses

MISCELLANEOUS

Administrative - Other

Business Matters

Contingent Fee/Plaintiff

Specific Document Preparation

ARAG Network Attorney Application

866-272-4529, ext. 3 � [email protected]

SECTION V – Payment Options

Payment will be made as indicated on your W-9 Form.

�APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE

I agree to maintain professional liability insurance (of no less than $100,000 per incident and $300,000aggregate per year) as long as I remain on the ARAG Attorney Network. The information contained withinthis application is accurate. I understand if any of the information in this application changes, I will notifyARAG. I agree to be bound by the terms of the ARAG Attorney Agreement, Attorney Reimbursement FeeSchedule, Plan Descriptions and Exclusions and any subsequent revisions of any of the above. Iunderstand each of these documents can be made available to me by contacting ARAG ProviderRelations at: 866-272-4529, ext. 3.

If I choose Direct Deposit Authorization in Section V, my signature below confirms authorization forARAG, GuideOne Mutual Insurance Company and/or GuideOne Specialty Mutual Insurance Company(collectively, “Company”) to initiate electronic credit entries to my account for payment of claims. Shouldthe Company enter more money into my account than I am entitled to receive, I authorize the Companyto withhold such amount from a further credit entry. This authority will remain in effect until I notify ARAGof a change in my account or cancel it in writing.

SECTION VI – Acceptance of Terms

Jumpstart Your Marketing ProgramJoin ARAG®’s Nationwide Attorney Network

ARAG ResourcesFor questions regarding the ARAG Network AttorneyApplication, contact a Provider Relations Specialist at866-ARAGLAW (866-272-4529) or [email protected].

For information regarding ARAG’s products andservices, visit www.ARAGgroup.com.

NAME ON ACCOUNT

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION NAME

ROUTING/TRANSIT NUMBER ACCOUNT NUMBER

1. DIRECT DEPOSIT AUTHORIZATION

2. PAPER CHECK

Attorney Rate Information

My normal hourly rate is $

Do you wish to have rate information published in the ARAG Attorney Finder Database? (CHECK ONE)

YES NO

For non-covered matters, the percentage reduction to my normal hourly rate is:

25% 30% 33% 40% Other (list to the right, no less than 25%): %

SECTION IV – Areas of Practice & Rate Information

Please review and place a check to the LEFT of ALL areas of law which you are willing to accept.When selecting an area of law, you are agreeing to accept ARAG's Fee Schedule for covered mattersand a reduction off your normal hourly rate for non-covered matters. You will indicate the amount ofreduction below the areas of law selection table. Attorneys can access ARAG’s Fee Schedule bycontacting a Provider Relations Specialist at 866-272-4529, ext. 3.

5450 ARAG ATTORNEY NETWORK APP-R:Layout 1 1/12/10 10:52 PM Page 1

A Smart Marketing Tool for Attorneys

ARAG Network Attorneys benefit from a smart

and trusted business model for attracting new

clients which can accelerate revenue and meet

growth objectives. Since ARAG aggressively markets

our legal plan as a voluntary benefit plan through

employer and wholesale channels, you’ll have an

excellent opportunity to establish and increase

visibility of your practice areas within tightly

networked corporate communities (including

Fortune 500 companies) where word-of-mouth

can fuel continuous referrals.

� Enhanced Business Development: Your contactinformation and areas of practice will be available tomembers 24/7 through our online “Attorney Finder”.Meanwhile, our Customer Care Specialists will matchmember needs with your areas of practice.

� Qualified Clients: Our award-winning CustomerCare Center and web site resources educate andprepare clients on what to expect when working witha Network Attorney.

� Guaranteed Payment: You can view plandescriptions and fee schedules before service isrendered. Average payment turnaround time is 10business days after receipt of completed claim form.Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is available for fasterpayment.

� Build a Nationwide Network: Our Attorney Networkweb site was developed to answer payment andcoverage questions. The ARAG Forum is a “virtualmeeting place” for you to exchange ideas, discussrecent legal news and dialogue with the ARAGNetwork Attorney community and ARAG Faculty.

SECTION I – Attorney Contact Information, continued

GENDER (OPTIONAL) (CHECK ONE):

FEMALE MALE

ETHNIC BACKGROUND (OPTIONAL) (CHECK ONE):

AFRICAN AMERICAN ASIAN CAUCASIAN HISPANIC

OTHER (PLEASE LIST)

LANGUAGE(S) (OTHER THAN ENGLISH) IN WHICH YOU ARE FLUENT?

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT ARAG? (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

ADVERTISEMENT COLLEAGUE CLIENT/MEMBER E-MAIL LETTER

ONLINE/WEB SITE TRADESHOW/CLE OTHER

PLEASE DETAIL

DO YOU CURRENTLY WORK WITH OTHER LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDERS? YES NO

IF YES, PLEASE LIST PROVIDERS

SECTION III – Disclosures

If you answer yes to any of the items below please complete and submit the DisclosureQuestionnaire found at www.ARAGgroup.com.

HAVE ANY COMPLAINTS BEEN FILED AGAINST YOU WITH ANY STATE BAR AND/OR DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITY? (CHECK ONE)

NO YES

HAVE ANY LEGALACTIONS BEEN FILED AGAINST YOU FOR PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY? (CHECK ONE)

NO YES

HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF ANY CHARGE INVOLVING FRAUD AND/OR FELONY? (CHECK ONE)

NO YES

SECTION II – Practice InformationLAW SCHOOL (LIST SCHOOL NAME) DATE GRADUATED (mm/dd/yyyy)

STATE(S) AND DATE (mm/dd/yyyy) ACTIVELY ADMITTED TO BAR BAR LICENSE NUMBER

Steps to Apply to the ARAG Attorney Network:1. Review the ARAG Network Attorney Agreement (found at www.ARAGgroup.com/Attorneys). By signingthis application you will agree to the terms of the Attorney Network Agreement.

2. Complete and sign this ARAG Network Attorney Application.

3. Attach a completed IRS W-9 form for the attorney/firm entity that will receive payment. Form can be found at:www.ARAGgroup.com/Attorneys

4. Attach a current copy of the Declaration page of your liability insurance policy, which specifies policy limits andexpiration date.

5. Return completed application and all attachments to (choose one):� Fax: 515-246-8710, ARAG, Attn: Provider Relations� E-mail scanned documents to: [email protected]� Mail to: ARAG, Attn: Provider Relations, P.O. Box 93180, Des Moines, IA 50393-3180

ARAG® Network Attorney Application

FIRST NAME M.I.

ADDRESS LINE 1 (STREET NAME, NO P.O. BOX)

ADDRESS LINE 2 (STE, APT. NUMBER, NO P.O. BOX)

PHONE NUMBER

CITY STATE

COUNTY

LAST NAME

SECTION I – Attorney Contact InformationPlease fill out the following information as you wish it to appear in the ARAG Attorney Finder Database.

AVAILABLE AFTER HOURS (CHECK ONE)

YES NO

DO YOU HAVE AN ADDITIONAL OFFICE LOCATION? (CHECK ONE) YES NO

If answered yes above, please include address, phone and fax information for up to 3 additionaloffice locations on separate letterhead. ARAG Network Attorneys need to maintain presence at eachoffice location 20% of the standard work week in order to participate in the Attorney Network.

ARE YOU CERTIFIED AS AMINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (MBE) or WOMAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (WBE) (OPTIONAL)?

YES, I AM MBE or WBE certified Please list:

NO, I am not MBE or WBE certified

IS YOUR OFFICE ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED PERSONS?(CHECK ONE)

YES NO

PROXIMITY TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (NO. OF BLOCKS)

WEB SITE URL

SUFFIX

FIRM NAME

E-MAIL ADDRESS

FAX NUMBER

OFFICE HOURS

PMTO :

N E T W O R K A T T O R N E Y A P P L I C A T I O N G U I D E

Savvy attorneys recognize the power of marketing as a

necessary tool to grow their business. Make a smart

investment – of your time – and let ARAG market your

practice on your behalf. Join the ARAG Attorney Network

and we can help you create a channel of qualified leads

and convert them into new clients.

So, how does legal insurance work? Legal insurance

provides quality, affordable and accessible resources to

help members resolve everyday legal matters. Legal

insurance is based on a traditional healthcare PPO

model. Members choose an attorney from an

experienced network base.

The ARAG Attorney Network consists of an established

community of more than 6,700 attorneys nationwide who

provide consultation, document review, representation

and preparation for covered legal matters. You will have

the flexibility to choose areas of practice which provides

you with greater control over client workload.

A Smart Business Model

ARAG is a global leader of legal insurance. Our international presence

protects 15.5 million people in 13 countries and has a total annual

premium base of $1.75 billion. ARAG Insurance Company is rated A

(Excellent by A.M. Best Company).

ARAG Quick Facts

� Privately owned company

� Pioneered the legal insurance category

� More than 70 years of experience

� “ARAG” is an acronym for a German phrase that means“general legal expense insurance”

About ARAG

ARAG Global Headquarters

� ARAG Provider Relations Team is led by attorneys, and dedicatedto providing ongoing communications and support, that will help youincrease client referrals, stay on top of legal trends and offer theefficiency of ARAG case management.

� ARAG Attorney Network Web Site provides access to ARAG’s CaseManagement System for tracking new and existing plan member status; aswell as for customized attorney reports which show the number and namesof plan members served, services billed and payment history. Additionalresources include a collection of legal articles submitted by ARAG NetworkAttorneys and Faculty, FAQs and links to web sites that contain helpfulinformation on basic law, case law, statutes, government materials andspecialty information.

Trusted Resources WHAT’S REQUIREDTO JOIN THENETWORK?

� Agree to the terms of the ARAGNetwork Attorney Agreement

� Agree to provide plan memberswith the covered servicesindicated on your AttorneyApplication at the ratesdescribed in ARAG’s FeeSchedule

� Be licensed to practice in thestate where you accept clientsand in good standing with therelevant regulatory authority

� Maintain a physical office in thestate(s) where licensed andpracticing law

� Maintain malpractice insurancecoverages of at least $100,000per incident and $300,000aggregate per year

866-ARAGLAW (866-272-4529) � [email protected]

Some of the Most Successful OrganizationsPartner with ARAG

ARAG NETWORK ATTORNEYS ARE

KEY TO MEMBER SATISFACTION

“Our ARAG Attorney was absolutelyindispensable in the purchase of our home.He gave us expert and timely advice, andstood up for us. I hold him in high regard.”

Christophe E.Oak Park, IL4-year ARAG member

CITY STATE

ZIP COUNTY

FEMALE MALE

OTHER (PLEASE LIST)

PLEASE DETAIL

NO YES

FIRST NAME M.I.

PHONE NUMBER

CITY STATE

COUNTY

LAST NAME

YES NO

WEB SITE URL

SUFFIX

FIRM NAME

E-MAIL ADDRESS

FAX NUMBER

OFFICE HOURS

PMTO :

ARAG Quick Facts

About ARAG

CITY STATE

ZIP COUNTY

FEMALE MALE

OTHER (PLEASE LIST)

PLEASE DETAIL

NO YES

FIRST NAME M.I.

PHONE NUMBER

CITY STATE

COUNTY

LAST NAME

YES NO

WEB SITE URL

SUFFIX

FIRM NAME

E-MAIL ADDRESS

FAX NUMBER

OFFICE HOURS

PMTO :

ARAG Quick Facts

About ARAG

CITY STATE

ZIP COUNTY

FEMALE MALE

OTHER (PLEASE LIST)

PLEASE DETAIL

NO YES

FIRST NAME M.I.

PHONE NUMBER

CITY STATE

COUNTY

LAST NAME

YES NO

WEB SITE URL

SUFFIX

FIRM NAME

E-MAIL ADDRESS

FAX NUMBER

OFFICE HOURS

PMTO :

ARAG Quick Facts

About ARAG

CITY STATE

ZIP COUNTY

SAVINGS ACCOUNT

CHECKING ACCOUNT

093008_0108

Medicaid, Veterans

Adoption

Contested

Uncontested

Domestic Violence

Proceedings

Name Change

Post Decree

Civil Matters

Trusts

Elder Law

FINANCES

Landlord/Tenant

Neighbor Dispute

Purchase/Sale Home

Real Estate Dispute

Refinance

the Influence

MISCELLANEOUS

Business Matters

NAME ON ACCOUNT

2. PAPER CHECK

YES NO

SAVINGS ACCOUNT

CHECKING ACCOUNT

093008_0108

Medicaid, Veterans

Adoption

Contested

Uncontested

Domestic Violence

Proceedings

Name Change

Post Decree

Civil Matters

Trusts

Elder Law

FINANCES

Landlord/Tenant

Neighbor Dispute

Purchase/Sale Home

Real Estate Dispute

Refinance

the Influence

MISCELLANEOUS

Business Matters

NAME ON ACCOUNT

2. PAPER CHECK

YES NO

SAVINGS ACCOUNT

CHECKING ACCOUNT

093008_0108

Medicaid, Veterans

Adoption

Contested

Uncontested

Domestic Violence

Proceedings

Name Change

Post Decree

Civil Matters

Trusts

Elder Law

FINANCES

Landlord/Tenant

Neighbor Dispute

Purchase/Sale Home

Real Estate Dispute

Refinance

the Influence

MISCELLANEOUS

Business Matters

NAME ON ACCOUNT

2. PAPER CHECK

YES NO

INSTRUCTIONS TO PRINTERSFORM W-9, PAGE 1 of 4MARGINS: TOP 13mm (1⁄ 2 "), CENTER SIDES. PRINTS: HEAD to HEADPAPER: WHITE WRITING, SUB. 20. INK: BLACKFLAT SIZE: 216mm (81⁄ 2 ") 3 279mm (11")PERFORATE: (NONE)

Give form to therequester. Do notsend to the IRS.

Form W-9 Request for TaxpayerIdentification Number and Certification

(Rev. October 2007) Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue Service Name (as shown on your income tax return)

List account number(s) here (optional)

Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.)

City, state, and ZIP code

Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on Line 1 to avoidbackup withholding. For individuals, this is your social security number (SSN). However, for a residentalien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the Part I instructions on page 3. For other entities, it isyour employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN on page 3.

Social security number

Requester’s name and address (optional)

Employer identification number Note. If the account is in more than one name, see the chart on page 4 for guidelines on whosenumber to enter. Certification

1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the InternalRevenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS hasnotified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and

Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backupwithholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply.For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirementarrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the Certification, but you mustprovide your correct TIN. See the instructions on page 4. SignHere

Date ©

General Instructions

Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2007)

Part I

Part II

Business name, if different from above

Cat. No. 10231X

Check appropriate box:

Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

13 I.R.S. SPECIFICATIONS TO BE REMOVED BEFORE PRINTING

DO NOT PRINT — DO NOT PRINT — DO NOT PRINT — DO NOT PRINT

TLS, have youtransmitted all R text files for this cycle update?

Action

Revised proofsrequested

Signature

O.K. to print

Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including aresident alien), to provide your correct TIN to the personrequesting it (the requester) and, when applicable, to: 1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you arewaiting for a number to be issued), 2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or

3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S.exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as aU.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income froma U.S. trade or business is not subject to the withholding tax onforeign partners’ share of effectively connected income.

3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below).

A person who is required to file an information return with theIRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN)to report, for example, income paid to you, real estatetransactions, mortgage interest you paid, acquisition orabandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, orcontributions you made to an IRA.

Individual/Sole proprietor

Corporation

Partnership

Note. If a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 torequest your TIN, you must use the requester’s form if it issubstantially similar to this Form W-9.

● An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien, ● A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or

organized in the United States or under the laws of the UnitedStates, ● An estate (other than a foreign estate), or

Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you areconsidered a U.S. person if you are:

Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct atrade or business in the United States are generally required topay a withholding tax on any foreign partners’ share of incomefrom such business. Further, in certain cases where a Form W-9has not been received, a partnership is required to presume thata partner is a foreign person, and pay the withholding tax.Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in apartnership conducting a trade or business in the United States,provide Form W-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S.status and avoid withholding on your share of partnershipincome. The person who gives Form W-9 to the partnership forpurposes of establishing its U.S. status and avoiding withholdingon its allocable share of net income from the partnershipconducting a trade or business in the United States is in thefollowing cases: ● The U.S. owner of a disregarded entity and not the entity,

Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unlessotherwise noted.

● A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section301.7701-7).

Exempt payee

Purpose of Form

On your application, you indicated “yes” to one or more of the disclosure questions in Section III. Before we canfurther process your application, please complete the questionnaire below in full. If you have multiple occurrencesof any one incident please attach completed documentation for each occurrence.Return completed application and attachments to (choose one):

� Fax: 515-246-8710, ARAG, Attn: Provider Relations� E-mail scanned documents to: [email protected]� Mail to: ARAG, Attn: Provider Relations, P.O. Box 93180, Des Moines, IA 50393-3180

Please note: any section below which is marked “yes” must be completed in full.

ARAG® Application Disclosure Questionnaire

1. HAVE ANY COMPLAINTS BEEN FILED AGAINST YOU WITH ANY STATE BAR/LAW SOCIETY OR DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITY?

NO YES IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:

DATE INCIDENT FILED (dd/mm/yyyy): DATE INCIDENT RESOLVED (dd/mm/yyyy):

PLEASE DETAIL BELOW CIRCUMSTANCE SURROUNDING INCIDENT.

If more space is required, attach documentation on separate page.� Attach copies of complaint, including case #, allegations, and disposition.

106608 866-ARAGLAW (866-272-4529) � [email protected]

2. HAVE ANY LEGAL ACTIONS BEEN FILED AGAINST YOU FOR PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY?

HAS ANY LIABILITY CARRIER PAID A CLAIM ON YOUR BEHALF? NO YES

IF YES, HOW MUCH WAS PAID?

APPLICATION DISCLOSURE QUESTIONNAIRE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE��

ARAG® Application Disclosure Questionnaire

ATTORNEY FIRST NAME M.I. ATTORNEY LAST NAME SUFFIX

106608 866-ARAGLAW (866-272-4529) � [email protected]

�ATTORNEY SIGNATURE

3. HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF ANY CHARGE INVOLVING FRAUD AND/OR FELONY?

If more space is required, attach documentation on separate page.� Attach copies of judgment, including case #, allegations, and disposition.

2. HAVE ANY LEGAL ACTIONS BEEN FILED AGAINST YOU FOR PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY? CONTINUED

If more space is required, attach documentation on separate page.� Attach copies of court filing, including case #, allegations, and disposition.

For ARAG Network Attorney Use Only 866-ARAGLAW (866-272-4529) ■ [email protected] ■ ARAGgroup.com

The Attorney Agreement (Agreement) is between ARAG, LLC; ARAG Insurance Company, ARAG Services, LLC, and Advisory Communications Systems, Inc. (ACS) (collectively referred to as “ARAG”) and the applicant Attorney. Section 1. Definitions as used in this Agreement and its addenda A. “Client” refers to a person who is entitled to Covered or Non-Covered legal services under a legal plan or an

insurance policy administered by ARAG or an affiliate. B. “Covered” refers to legal services for a Client that are paid either partially or in full by ARAG under a legal

plan. C. “Non-Covered” refers to legal services for which coverage is not paid by ARAG. D. “Network Attorney” refers to an attorney (this term will embrace the term ‘lawyer’ in Canadian use) who:

(a) is an active member of the State Bar in good standing; (b) maintains a law office and is regularly engaged in the practice of law; (c) maintains insurance coverage under a professional liability policy providing limits of not less than $100,000 per incident and $300,000 aggregate per year; (d) is willing to provide at least a 25% reduction from the attorney’s normal rate on all non-excluded, Non-Covered legal matters; (e) is willing to provide a free initial consultation to all Clients on Non-Covered legal matters; (f) completes and delivers a signed Application to ARAG; (g) is accepted as a Network Attorney by ARAG as indicated by inclusion of the Attorney’s contact information in ARAG’s Attorney Directory online; and, (h) agrees to accept the Covered legal matters noted on his/her application or as updated on his/her ARAG profile.

E. “Plan Documents” include the certificate of insurance and/or a service plan, both of which dictate coverage,

exclusions and conditions for a plan member. F. “State Bar” includes the attorney regulatory body (including Law Societies in Canada) of any jurisdiction in

which the attorney maintains an office for the practice of law. Section 2. Obligations of a Network Attorney A. Notification of Change of Information or Status

Network Attorney will immediately notify ARAG of any change of address, telephone number, e-mail address, or any change of actual or impending circumstances that might affect his/her status as an attorney, including but not limited to: any lapse in the required insurance coverage, any change in the attorney’s licensing or State Bar standing, and any complaints filed with a disciplinary committee or State Bar of any state or province. Network Attorney will update his/her ARAG profile so that it accurately reflects the legal matters, whether Covered or Non-Covered, that he/she will accept.

ARAG Attorney Agreement

B. Representation Network Attorney will accept each Client who requests services or who is referred to him/her and give that Client prompt professional service. Nevertheless, the Network Attorney may reject a Client on reasonable grounds, including referral of a legal matter not noted by the Network Attorney on his/her application or updated ARAG profile, representation in a matter deemed by the Network Attorney to be lacking merit or in violation of his/her ethics rules. The Network Attorney will not reject any Client as a result of the amount of fees Network Attorney may receive under the terms of the program.

Network Attorney will not withdraw from representation until he/she takes reasonable steps to avoid prejudice to the rights of Client. The Network Attorney will allow time for employment of other counsel, deliver all papers and property to the Client that the Client is entitled to receive, and comply with all applicable laws and rules.

If Network Attorney rejects an eligible Client or withdraws from further representation of an eligible Client for any reason, Network Attorney will promptly notify ARAG of the reason for the rejection or withdrawal. The Network Attorney will also encourage the Client to call ARAG regarding further eligibility for services. If Network Attorney does not feel he/she has the expertise required to assist a Client or feels that referral to another attorney is necessary to best serve the interests of the Client, Network Attorney will direct Client to call ARAG regarding their coverage rather than referring the Client to another attorney.

If the Network Attorney determines that the matter for which the Client seeks assistance is a Covered matter but one that the Network Attorney has not indicated in his/her application or updated ARAG profile that he/she handles, then he/she will refer Client to ARAG for coverage information.

Before undertaking representation of a Client where the Client will be charged by the Network Attorney, the Network Attorney will ensure that the matter is Non-Covered and then will charge the Client only the appropriate reduced rate.

Network Attorney is not to accept representation regarding any action, proceeding, dispute or any matter against: ARAG, the policyholder, the client’s employer, the client’s employee benefit plan providers or any vendor providing services to client’s employer-provided benefit plan, regardless of who pays for that representation.

Network Attorney will defend, indemnify and hold ARAG and Plan Sponsors harmless from any and all liability or alleged liability which may arise out of the acts or omissions of the Network Attorney in the performance of services. "Liability" includes, without limitation, any and all costs and expenses incurred, including reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. "Alleged Liability" includes all claims and demands.

C. Records

Network Attorney will keep accurate and current books and records concerning each eligible Client advised or represented, the subject on which advice was given or representation offered or provided, the length of any conferences, the amount of time spent by the Network Attorney in providing advice or representation, the disposition of the matter, and any charges made to the eligible Client for legal services other than Covered services. Each Network Attorney will make such books and records available to ARAG at reasonable times. Nothing in this Agreement will require Network Attorney to reveal any confidential attorney-client information. Network Attorney acknowledges that ARAG may have a fiduciary and/or regulatory obligation to access information within Client files to adequately administer payments under insurance and ERISA qualified legal

plans and, to the extent that Client interests are not prejudiced by doing so, agrees to seek waivers from Clients, where necessary, to assist ARAG in meeting these obligations.

D. Publicizing Status

Network Attorney will not promote or publicize his or her status as a Network Attorney, except as permitted by ARAG and the Code of Professional Responsibility of the State Bar. ARAG assumes no obligation for publication, referral or promotion of attorney’s status as a Network Attorney.

E. Recertification

ARAG periodically requests verification of the required Network Attorney information in Section 1D. Section 3. Obligations of ARAG A. Referral

Network Attorneys are not part of a referral system. Procedures for informing Clients of the availability of Network Attorneys to provide services under ARAG’s legal plans will comply with professional rules of conduct and ethics.

B. Representation of Other Persons

Each Network Attorney is free to serve persons other than Clients, as defined in this agreement, and to otherwise conduct his/her practice of law without the interference or control of ARAG.

C. Sharing Compensation

No third party (other than a partnership or legal service corporation of which Network Attorney is a member) will receive any part of the fees paid to Network Attorney for furnishing legal services pursuant to any legal plan referred to above, except as to legal work which is shared with another attorney.

D. Interference

ARAG will not interfere with or control the performance of the duties of Network Attorney to the Client. Section 4. Legal Service Fees A. Payments for Non-Covered Services

Each Network Attorney will provide Non-Covered legal services for those areas of law indicated in his/her application or updated ARAG profile that he/she handles under the program with a free initial consultation and with at least a 25% reduction and will calculate that reduction from his/her normal rates. The Network Attorney agrees to cooperate with ARAG by providing information on his/her normal rates. The Network Attorney certifies that the fee he/she charges an ARAG Client is truly a reduction from his/her normal fee for similar matters. The Network Attorney also agrees to notify ARAG immediately should his/her rate change. Network Attorney represents and warrants that the normal and reduced rate information supplied by Network Attorney to ARAG is accurate, and that any changes will be promptly communicated to ARAG and will apply only to Clients who contract for services subsequent to the posting of such changed rates with new matters. Network Attorneys who provide services under the reduced rate program will be paid directly by the Client. ARAG will not be responsible for any fees or their collection under this program.

Network Attorneys are allowed to bill Client subject to the exclusions, rules and conditions of payment in the following documents: this agreement, the reimbursement or fee schedule and the Plan Documents (collectively referred to as “Binding Documents”)..

B. Payments for Covered Services Network Attorney accepts the amounts listed in the fee schedule as payment in full for Covered services to Clients and will make no additional charges to the Client for attorney’s fees unless the Plan Document allows. To the extent that benefits do not provide for filing fees, court costs, reporters’ fees and other miscellaneous costs in any proceeding, a Network Attorney is entitled to obtain reimbursement from the Client for out-of-pocket expenses. Covered services may not be combined for any one matter to increase maximum fees.

Network Attorneys who provide Covered services under the program will be paid directly by ARAG upon submission of claims in acceptable form. Network Attorneys will be paid subject to the exclusions, rules and conditions of payment in the Binding Documents. This Agreement limits the terms of payment and the maximum fee that may be received by a Network Attorney for services rendered to beneficiaries of ARAG plans. Wording of specific plans or policies will determine exclusions, coverage limitations and eligibility of Clients for Covered services.

Under no circumstances will a Network Attorney seek payment from a Client for Covered services that are provided under an ARAG plan or policy on a paid-in-full basis.

C. Fee Agreement

Network Attorney shall not propose or enter into any fee agreement with Client which conflicts with this Agreement.

Each Network Attorney will provide ARAG Clients with a written fee agreement for Non-Covered matters. Under no circumstances will a Network Attorney seek payment from a Client for Covered services that are provided under an ARAG plan or policy on a paid-in-full basis.

In the event that a plan sponsor terminates its relationship with ARAG prior to the conclusion of a Covered or Non-covered representation and that legal matter was initiated prior to the date such termination became effective, the Network Attorney will continue to provide services in accordance with the pre-termination coverage terms until the conclusion of the legal matter.

D. Suspension of Claims Payments In the event Attorney mistakenly or intentionally submits a claim for a duplicate matter or a claim for a matter which Attorney did not provide services, ARAG has the right to suspend payments of any and all claims submitted by Attorney until the claim in question is fully investigated. Additionally, ARAG shall have the right to offset any amounts found due and owing to ARAG from existing or future claims submitted by Attorney for the same or a different plan member until the amount due is recovered.

Section 5. Additional Terms A. Termination

An attorney’s status as a Network Attorney may be terminated at any time for any reason or no reason by Attorney or by ARAG. Notice will be in writing, and become effective upon receipt by the other party.

In the event of expulsion, resignation or withdrawal, the Network Attorney will still be bound by the obligations specified in this Agreement with respect to completion of legal services undertaken before expulsion or resignation and payment for such services. The Network Attorney will not undertake representation of additional Clients without first informing them he/she is no longer a member of the ARAG Network.

B. Amendment Binding Documents are incorporated herein and each is subject to revocation, amendment or other modification at any time by ARAG, but any such revocation, amendment or modification will not abridge rights accrued or obligations incurred prior to such action.

C. Mediation Parties agree that should a disagreement arise, they will use their best efforts to cooperate in finding an

appropriate solution. In the event a solution cannot be found, the parties agree to participate in at least four hours of mediation in accordance with the Commercial Mediation Procedures of American Arbitration Association to be held in Des Moines, Iowa. The parties agree to share equally in the costs of the mediation. The mediation shall be administered by a mutually agreed upon mediator.

D. Non-waiver

The failure of either party to enforce strict compliance with this Agreement, in whole or in part, or to exercise any right does not constitute a waiver of any other rights and will not be held to constitute a course of conduct or waiver of a subsequent breach of that or any other provision.

E. Effect of Invalid or Unenforceable Provision

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by reason of conflict with applicable law or regulation, the Agreement will be considered amended to the minimum extent necessary to give effect to the balance of the Agreement as if the offending provision(s) was not present.

F. Survival Sections 2B, 2C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, and 5C shall survive termination of the Agreement.

G. Governance

This Agreement has been entered into and will be governed for all matters concerning validity, performance and interpretation under the laws of the State of Iowa.

Attorney’s Certification By signing the Attorney Application, I certify my agreement to be bound by the terms of the ARAG Attorney Agreement, Reimbursement Fee Schedule, Plan Documents and any subsequent revisions.

Attorney Agreement

Documents

Transcript of Attorney Agreement