Legal Services

NEA-Alaska members are eligible for limited free and discounted legal as a part of membership. Take advantage of this great program today.

Attorney Referral Program

During any calendar year, eligible members are entitled to two free 30-minute consultation sessions with any of the participating attorneys listed below. During the two free sessions, you may discuss any legal matter except income tax preparation.

In addition, members may have specific legal work performed in five “core” areas at a 30 percent reduction of participating attorneys’ normal rates. Participating attorneys must agree to discuss fees before they render services. They must be willing to accept payment of their fees by installment payment plan or by credit card.

Who Can Participate

NEA/NEA-Alaska members in all membership categories (along with their spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children) are eligible for the Attorney Referral Program benefit. If you have a legal issue outside of your state of residence, you can contact a participating attorney in the state where the legal matter resides.

The ‘Core’ Areas

Real Estate: Provide assistance with the purchase or sale of residential property, disputes with landlords, property line controversies, and problems with zoning laws or land-use regulations.

Wills and Estates: At a 30% discount rate, you can have a participating attorney prepare your will, assist with estate planning, provide legal assistance if you are named the executor or administrator of an estate, or offer legal counsel in guardianship proceedings.

Domestic Relations: Representation in proceedings for dissolution, annulment, divorce, separation, alimony, custody, child support, guardianship, adoption, paternity, and name change.

Consumer Protection: Assistance for disputes with creditors or finance agencies, proceedings with retailers, concerning defective merchandise and bankruptcy.

Traffic Violations: Representation to handle charges of operating under the influence, reckless driving, or other offenses involving the potential loss of license, a jail sentence, or financial liability in excess of $500.

Remember, although each participating attorney has agreed to provide two free 30-minute consultation sessions, you should discuss with the attorney the fees you will be charged before any consultation session begins. That will help you avoid any misunderstandings.

What isn’t Covered

Problems such as business dealings and preparation of a defense in Internal Revenue Service income tax matters.
Defense of criminal violations, other than the traffic violations covered by the Program.
Court costs, filing fees, service fees, and attorney out-of-pocket expenses.
Incidental fees such as court-imposed filing fees and attorney’s out-of-pocket expenses.

Contact Participating Attorneys

Anchorage

Joe P. Josephson
(907) 276-0151

Paul Kelly
(907) 258-6777

Brian Heady
(907) 868-1932

Law Office of Scott Dattan
(907) 276-8008

Fairbanks

Jason Weiner
(907) 452-4255

Juneau

Paul H. Grant, Esq.
(907) 586-2701

James McMahon, Attorney & Counselor at Law
(907) 209-7646

Law Office of Elizabeth Smith
(907) 312-5436

Discipline, Grievances and Due Process Rights

As a public school employee you may encounter situations where disciplinary action is taken against you. Remember, you have rights and you need to use them.

Professional Issues

Collective bargaining agreement violations do happen. Contact your Association Representative as soon as possible and keep a journal of events.

Evaluations

Before an evaluation by your supervisor, review your contract and district policy on evaluations. If you receive a negative evaluation, contact your Building Representative or Association Representative as soon as possible.

Reprimands and Suspensions

If you are disciplined, reprimanded, suspended or dismissed contact your union representative as soon as possible even if you believe the action was warranted.

Contact Your Local President

Your initial contact for accessing the NEA-Alaska UniServ Program as well as any other NEA-Alaska member program is through your local affiliate President.

Find Your Local

Need help?

If you are unable to make timely contact with your local President, please call the NEA-Alaska office toll free number at 800-996-3225 or 907-274-0536 or contact us.

Weingarten Rights

“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my Association representative be present at the meeting.”

Due Process Rights

If you are charged with job-related violations or your supervisor asks to meet with you to discuss concerns about your performance or conduct:

DO

Contact your local employee rights representative immediately.
Listen carefully to the employer’s concerns or accusations, and then ask for time before you respond.
Insist that a local representative be present for any interview or meeting regarding allegations of misconduct, poor performance or possible charges against you.
Make detailed notes of all related events.
List names of people who have direct knowledge of the event(s).
Request and keep copies of all documents and papers related to the event(s).
Meet deadlines with appropriate responses.

DON’T

Resign prior to discussing your employment options with your union representative.
Admit guilt or accept blame in any incident.
Agree to meet without a union representative.
Make statements or respond to questions prior to consultation with your union representative.
Sign any papers or agreements before consulting with your union representative.
Agree to pay any expenses for any damage or to make restitution, etc.
Reveal your liability coverage(s).
Hire a private attorney before understanding your legal defense benefits, coverage, and limitations.