PRODUCT: USI Affinity Lawyers Professional Liability Program.

COMPANIES: USI Affinity; Old Republic Lawyers Specialty Insurance Company.

AVAILABILITY: Appointed agents and brokers only.

FOCUS: Recently, USI Affinity and Old Republic Lawyers Specialty Insurance announced a new strategic partnership to offer a comprehensive lawyers professional liability insurance program to attorneys and law firms in five states.

“We developed this new policy to provide a comprehensive solution for law firms that addresses the evolving needs of the legal community as it relates to malpractice exposures," says Mike Mooney, partner, senior vice president, professional liability practice leader, USI Affinity. “Our goal is to help our clients mitigate risk and protect their billable hours."

COVERAGE DETAILS: USI's extensive history and involvement in the legal profession provides the company with the market intelligence to design professional liability policies specifically addressing the common coverage gaps seen in today's policies in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and South Carolina.

“We have completely removed the hammer clause from our policy. Meaning we cannot settle a claim without the consent of the insured," Mooney says. “We also have features such as a supplemental claims benefit up to $100,000, disciplinary and subpoena up to policy limits, and pre-claims assistance—to name a few." 

UNDERWRITING: Underwriting is based on areas of practice, number of attorneys, revenues, claims history and risk management procedures. There is no minimum premium. 

TARGET: Firms with 1-35 attorneys.

COVERAGE AVAILABILITY: IN, IL, OH, MI and SC.

CONTACT: Mike Mooney, partner, senior vice president, professional liability practice leader, USI Affinity; 3805 West Chester Pike, Suite 200 Newtown Square, PA 19073; 610-537-1441.

Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.