I’ve written before that I am opposed to mandating the purchase of professional liability insurance.  I’m also not sold on the idea that brand new lawyers must have professional liability insurance. But I know I’m in the minority. The majority of new lawyers want to buy insurance immediately as it gives them peace of mind.  However, it can be an extremely difficult challenge to find the right insurance company, the right coverage, and the right price.

One of Solo Practice University’s missions is to find the best products and services solos actually need and at a price they can afford.  The marketplace is flooded with products and services for solos and it is very difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.  SPU does all the heavy lifting.  That’s why we are very pleased to introduce one of our newest sponsors – ALPS (Attorneys Liability Protection Society).

Earlier this year we were contacted by ALPS. They expressed genuine interest in becoming an SPU sponsor*. I’d say it took a good nine months of back and forth before I was satisfied they offered an overall good value for solos/small firms. Once we established they are really offering a very good product, we then negotiated extra benefits for SPU students.  So, let me tell you about ALPS.

First, all this company does is professional liability insurance for lawyers. They actually were formed in direct response to the mid-1980s insurance crisis which directly impacted the legal community because it made liability insurance either unaffordable or simply unavailable to attorneys. (I’m also partial to products and services created to resolve a specific problem versus larger companies that offer similar products and services as an afterthought to their main products, whatever they may be).

ALPS currently insures more than 12,500 attorneys across the country. On top of that, they are endorsed by more bar associations than any other professional liability insurance company. An added (and important) bonus – they are technologically advanced. This is critical today for the solo who needs to be able to run their practices from their computers. They are also direct underwriters – not brokers. Combined, these two factors impact efficiency and overall costs.

Currently, ALPS is registered in thirty-four states and expanding to more states in 2013. Please be sure to contact them and find out if they offer their products in your jurisdiction.  ALPS is not in California, so If you are in California, be sure to check out, LMIC (Lawyer’s Mutual Insurance Company),  who operates exclusively in California and is also a proud sponsor of Solo Practice University.

ALPS also understands the value of education in helping to avoid malpractice claims.  Not only do they provide ongoing education to their insured but they also recognize Solo Practice University provides an important educational service.  That is why ALPS is offering their education credit discount on their liability policies to all lawyers who enroll in Solo Practice University.

We can’t say enough good things about ALPS.  They are a company with a mission and their mission benefits solo/small firm lawyers.

*Solo Practice University does not accept affiliate commissions.  Any benefit we would have received under such a program is passed on to our students.