CBA's Endorsed Professional Liability Insurance Program

April 2005

Dear Colorado Bar Association Member:

We are pleased to share with you exciting news regarding the Colorado Bar Association’s endorsed lawyer professional liability insurance program.

The Colorado Bar Association (“CBA”), on the recommendation of Marsh Affinity Group Services (the CBA administrator/broker) has selected CNA Insurance Companies (“CNA”) as the bar-endorsed provider of legal malpractice insurance.  This change in endorsement was effective March 19, 2005.

CNA is the largest writer of lawyers’ professional liability policies in the United States, with more than 45 years of experience insuring more than 125,000 attorneys in the private practice of law.  CNA is the seventh largest U.S. commercial insurer with $61 billion in assets and $6 billion statutory policyholder surplus.  It is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best.  The Massachusetts, Louisiana and Arkansas Bar Associations endorse CNA for their lawyer professional liability insurance programs.

The following coverage enhancements are new with the transition to CNA (please refer to specific policy for coverage details):

·         Retirement tail at no additional cost if the attorney has been continuously insured by
CNA for at least three years (previous years with Westport qualify for continuous period).

·         Deductible reduced (up to a maximum of $25,000) if claim settles through mediation.

·         Up to $500 a day for loss of earnings; up to $10,000 maximum for attorney’s attendance at trial, hearing or arbitration proceedings at the insurer’s request.  These amounts do not reduce the limits of liability.

·         Up to $10,000 (or $100,000 in the event there is a determination of no liability) for attorney fees and other reasonable costs and expenses resulting from a disciplinary proceeding.  These amounts do not reduce the limits of liability.

·         Premium credit for attorney attendance at CBA’s Preventing Legal Malpractice 2006 Seminar. 

Marsh Affinity Group Services will continue to administer the CNA malpractice insurance program.  Our members currently insured with Westport, or any other insurer, are encouraged to compare the CNA offering when their policies come up for renewal.  Please feel free to contact Chris Buckman at Marsh Affinity Group Services, (303) 308-4602, with questions or comments.

Sincerely,

John M. Palmeri                                                            Charles C. Turner

Chair                                                                            Executive Director

Professional Liability Committee                                     Colorado Bar Association