United Educators (8019) Monthly Billing via CounselLink
- Staffing: maximum of two attorneys – generally one partner and one associate, assisted by one paralegal unless EU approved a different arrangement
- Only one timekeeper can bill for attend or participate in meetings, phone conference, witness interviews, depositions, court hearings/arguments, or settlement negotiations (including mediations)
- Primary attorney must consult UE immediately regarding staffing changes or substitutes
- Rates are for life of claim unless UE determines extraordinary circumstances
- Initial case assessment and life-of-case budget due within 60 days of assignment
- Counsel may bill up to one hour for time spent creating the litigation budget
- Final bill due within 90 days after formal resolution of a claim
- UE won’t pay for more than 10 hours in a day by any one timekeeper, unless approved in advance. This does not apply to preparing for trial.
- Legal research requires approval
- Preapproval required for out-of-town travel – lowest available coach class airfare, reasonably priced hotels/meals, rental car up to midsize class, and mileage at current IRS rate for use of a personal vehicle
- Pre-approval required for any individual expense greater than $1,000
- Advance approval for use of any expert, vendor, or third party service provider including expert witnesses, jury consultants, alternative legal services providers or legal vendors
- Counsel must use a UE-preferred vendor when appropriate and available. Please reach out to your claims handler for a list of current preferred vendors.
- See Prohibited Expenses – Overhead Costs on page 14 of outside counsel guidelines
