LMIC's Strong Start Program ("SSP") is designed to provide extremely affordable and easy-to-apply-for coverage for lawyers who have been licensed 3 years or less and are practicing solo. Our goal is to take some of the risk out of your practice by helping you start out right!
A strong start is essential for success in any professional venture, and the practice of law is no exception. For almost a quarter of a century, we have partnered with thousands of solo practitioners who have become seasoned lawyers with successful practices. LMIC has been there for them all along. As your silent partner, we're committed to your success and we'll be there for you, too!
You'll have the comfort of knowing that LMIC is behind you every step of the way. As your trusted ally, we'll provide many of the essential tools you'll need for a successful practice. Our loss prevention specialists will explain causes of legal malpractice claims and outline prevention strategies. Our experienced professionals will offer techniques and resources, from client selection to trust fund accounting, that will help you realize your business plan and reduce your risk!
$500 first year premium for policy limits of $100,000 per claim/$300,000 in the aggregate, with no Prior Acts.
Guaranteed annual premium schedule for 6 years.
Guaranteed renewal for 5 years.
Only $1,000 deductible.
$50,000 Claims Expense Allowance in addition to policy limits.
Longevity Credit of $100 for every consecutive year you remain claims free - e.g., 5 years claims free earns you a $500 Longevity Credit at renewal.
Up to $10,000 total reimbursement for defense of all State Bar Disciplinary proceedings in addition to policy limits.
Up to $5,000 per claim reimbursement to attend arbitration or trial in addition to policy limits.
Coverage for your work as "Of Counsel" or as an Independent Contractor at no extra charge.
Free LMIC MCLE programs designed especially for the SSP lawyer.
Claims Repair/Prevention Hotline.
Think of us as your silent partner. As the only lawyer-owned insurance company based in California, LMIC has long understood the needs of the solo practitioner. With your confidence, skills and education together with our experience, we can be a winning team....you don't have to go it alone!
The SSP Basic Program coverage is a policy with limits of
liability of $100,000 per claim/$300,000 in the aggregate, a
$1,000 per claim deductible and No Prior Acts Coverage.
SSP BASIC PROGRAM WITH NO PRIOR ACTS
ANNUAL PREMIUM SCHEDULE **/***
BY PROGRAM YEAR
| Location of your office |
Year one |
Year two |
Year three |
Year four |
Year five |
Year six |
|
Los Angeles & Orange Counties |
$500 | $1000 |
$2000 |
$2804 |
$3504 |
$4205 |
|
Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco & San Mateo Counties |
$500 | $1000 | $2000 |
$2523 |
$3154 |
$3785 |
|
All other Counties |
$500 | $1000 |
$2000 |
$2386 |
$2982 |
$3579 |
To be eligible to apply for coverage under the Strong Start Program,
you need to have been licensed 3 years or less, from the date
of first admission in any jurisdiction, AND you need to be:
Now, a solo practitioner. This means that you or your professional corporation do not employ any other lawyer(s), and do not have a partner, a professional association or have any similar arrangements. You can act as "Of Counsel" or as an independent contractor for another lawyer or law firm.
Actively licensed with the State Bar of California
Discipline Free
Claims Free. This means that you have not had any claims made against you arising from your professional legal services.
Not aware of any alleged act, error, omission or any disagreement with any current or former client which might reasonably give rise to a claim or suit.
Committed to attending 12 hours of required MCLE in your first year of the SSP; 6 hours in the second year and 4 hours for each of the remaining 4 years. All required hours need to be completed in LMIC-sponsored programs including live seminars, online courses or self study materials. All LMIC MCLE programs are at NO COST to you and meet the State Bar of California requirements.
For the solo practitioner who desires the SSP Basic Program coverage with no Prior Acts**, the rates are guaranteed as scheduled, subject to the location of your practice and compliance with the original Enrollment Qualifications and applicable underwriting guidelines.
If you meet the above qualifications, THEN you are eligible to apply for coverage under the Lawyers' Mutual Strong Start Program. Click here to download the Strong Start application to submit to the company. Final approval is subject to review and underwriting by LMIC of a completed Strong Start Program Application, including all requested attachments and additional information.
To download the application, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your system. If you don't have the program, click on the icon below to get your free download.
