A legal services plan lets a member talk to a lawyer whenever the member thinks he might have a problem, without fear of the cost. With the proper legal advice most problems can be avoided or quickly resolved. And if further services, such as representation in court, are needed, a legal services plan may help a member find the right lawyer, and pay all or part of the legal bills. All legal services plans promote preventive law by making it easier and cheaper to get legal advice when it's first needed. Beyond this, plans vary considerably in their structure and coverage.
Access plans concentrate on giving members easy access to legal advice and services.
Sometimes a free will is included. Costs are low, and sometimes are borne entirely by the sponsoring organization. Comprehensive plans provide, in return for a fee or premium, additional legal services on demand, such as representation in a divorce, real estate transaction, or civil or criminal trial. Benefits and fees vary considerably from plan to plan. Fees may be paid by a member's employer, or by the member himself through union dues, payroll deduction, credit card, etc.