There is no deductible. Over time, the cost of coverage provided by the Fund has proved to be less than the cost of comparable commercial coverage. Of the roughly 10,000 active members of the Oregon State Bar who live in Oregon, approximately 6,600 are in private practice and participate in the Fund. The remaining Bar members claim exemption from the Fund as corporate counsel, government lawyers, law professors, etc. Beginning in 1991, the Fund has also offered optional excess coverage on an underwritten basis to Oregon law firms.
Excess coverage is also available from commercial insurers.
Roughly half of the lawyers in private practice carry some excess coverage. The Fund has had good support from the membership and very good success with the handling of its claims. Oregon attorneys are well satisfied with the PLF's services. Upon the closing of each claim file, the PLF sends out an evaluation form to the covered attorney. There is a high response rate.