How do I navigate the attorney portal?

Navigation within the Attorney Portal is organized into two primary areas: the left-side panel and the top navigation bar.

The top navigation bar

Includes the following:

• Home
  

  

  • Your main dashboard displays:

    • • Cases and Members currently assigned to you

      • Authorization Requests

      • Recently Submitted Claims

    • This page provides a quick snapshot of your current activity within the Attorney Portal.

• Profile
  

  • This section allows you to access, review, and update your professional information, including:

    • Primary Details

    • Practice Details

    • Coverages & Practice Areas

    • Disclosure & Billing

  • Please ensure all information remains current to avoid delays in case assignments or claim processing.

• Claims

  • This page allows you to submit and review claims.

  • Submit invoices for cases you have completed and were authorized to handle.

    • Important Notice
      • U.S. Legal Services’ policy requires that claims be submitted:
      • At least every ninety (90) days, and
      • No later than ninety (90) days following completion of the legal matter.
    • Claims aged ninety (90) days or older may be subject to denial.
  • Matter Case Claims
    • Matter Case claims received prior to Friday each week will be processed for payment on Monday of the following week.
    • In certain cases, supporting documentation will be required. If applicable, you will be prompted to upload the necessary documentation during the claim submission process.
  • CDL Case Claims
    • When filing a claim for a covered CDL citation case:
      • A court disposition must be uploaded.
      • If a court disposition is not available, please provide a written statement outlining the case outcome on your firm’s letterhead.
    • Processing Timeline:
      • Claims received before the 24th of the month will be processed for payment that same month. Checks are issued on the 5th business day of the month.
      • Claims received after the 24th will be processed the following month.

• Authorization Requests

  
  
  

  • This page displays all Authorization Requests submitted through your Attorney Portal.

    • Please note:

      • Authorization Requests cannot be submitted for matters designated with a plan class of REF (Referral Only).

      • If you are unsure whether a matter is REF:

        • Refer to the Case page, which displays the plan class designation.

        • Review the “Assigned to Attorney” email you received for that case.

      • To submit a new Authorization Request, click the “Request New Authorization” button located in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

   

• Cases
  

  • This section lists all cases currently assigned to you.

    • Family Defender – FAM Plan Class

      • These matters may be paid in accordance with the U.S. Legal Services Inc. Attorney Fee Schedule.

      • Coverage varies depending on the member’s plan.

      • You must contact the Authorizations Department prior to proceeding with the member’s legal matter to confirm coverage.

    • Family Defender – REF Plan Class

      • These matters are referral only (non-covered legal services) due to the member’s plan coverage or the pre-existing nature of the matter.

      • Please provide a free consultation.

      • Bill the member directly at a minimum discount of 33% off your standard hourly rate.

    • CDL Defender – CDL Plan Class (Ticket Type: “Ticket”)

      • These cases will be paid in accordance with your agreed-upon flat-rate fee for CDL matters.

    • CDL Defender – CDL Plan Class (Ticket Type: “Referral”)

      • These matters are referral only (non-covered legal services) due to the member’s plan coverage or pre-existing nature.

      • Please provide a free consultation.

      • Bill the member directly at a minimum discount of 33% off your standard hourly rate.

• Helpful Information

• Contains some helpful information on the following:

  • Fee Schedule & Agreements

    • Attorneys should reference the USL Fee Schedule and the Fee for Services Attorney Agreement for payment terms and service guidelines.

  • Required Documents

    • For Estate Planning matters (Wills & Trusts), a signed Member Acknowledgment Form is required and must be submitted with the claim.

  • Member Assignments – Matter Cases

    • Assignment notifications are sent via email (“Assigned to Attorney”).

    • Attorneys must accept or decline cases using the link provided in the email.

    • For covered matters, attorneys must contact the Authorizations Department after the consultation to confirm coverage before proceeding.

    • Referral (REF) matters require a free consultation, with services billed directly to the member at a minimum 33% discount.

  • Requesting Authorization

    • The preferred method is through the Authorization Request system in the Attorney Portal. Attorneys may also call the dedicated number or reply to the assignment email.

  • Member Assignments – CDL Cases

    • Covered CDL cases require acceptance within 2 business days via email confirmation.

    • Referral CDL cases are billed directly to the member at the agreed 33% discount.

    • A disposition form must be completed at the conclusion of referral cases.

  • Filing Claims

    • Claims must be submitted through the Attorney Portal within 90 days of completion.

    • Late claims may be denied.

    • Matter Claims:

      • Processed weekly if received before Friday.

    • CDL Claims:

      • Require court disposition (or firm letter if unavailable).

      • Claims received before the 24th are paid the following month; those received after are processed the next month.

Left-side navigation Panel

Includes the following:

• Request an Authorization button
  

  • Submit an authorization request for eligible matters.

    • Please check back periodically for the status of your request. You will also receive an email notification once a determination has been made.

    • Authorization requests cannot be submitted for matters designated with a plan class of REF (Referral Only).

    • If you are unsure whether a matter is classified as REF:

      • Refer to the Case page, where the plan class designation is displayed.

      • Review the “Assigned to Attorney” email you received, which includes the plan class information.

• File a Claim

• • Submit invoices for cases you have completed and were authorized to handle.
  • It is the same page you are directed to when selecting Claims from the top navigation bar. (see explanation above)

• Update Address
  • Enter your name, contact information, and address details exactly as you would like them to appear in the attorney directory.
• Coverages
  • Displays the areas of coverage in which you practice.
    Please ensure this section remains up to date.
    
    • Update Coverages (located as a hyperlink under your list of coverages) – Use this option to make changes.
• Practice Areas
  • Displays the jurisdictions and areas in which you are licensed to practice.
    Please ensure this section remains up to date.
    
    • Update Practice Areas (located as a hyperlink under your list of practice areas) – Use this option to make changes.