The conservative estimate for 2000 is 250,000 new members. Legal problems can cause high absenteeism and tardiness among employees, Merl says. Moreover, even if they show up to work, their work suffers because it's hard to concentrate on work when involved in a legal matter, he says. Employees view having access to attorneys at lower costs as a benefit of great value, he says. Included in the package are free consultations, referrals to law specialists, document reviews and substantially reduced costs for such things as wills and real estate closings.
Legal fees are also capped.
Lawyers apparently like the program, too. In December 1996, the Legal Club of America had about 2,300 attorneys. Today, over 20,000 are participating. Attorneys get no money from Legal Club of America, making their money through its referrals. Barry Zisman, a Dallas-based attorney who has conference facilities in Arlington and Grapevine, signed on with Legal Club of America about a year ago.