Intended on publishing this yesterday, yet we all know how time flies. Recently watched an attorney, out of AZ, pitch his retainer program for those who carry firearms. In his pitch, he starts off exposing the clauses which insurers have stipulated void their policy, and there are a lot. So many, IMO, you’re better off using the lottery as a retirement program. Then he extols the virtues of his ‘retainer program’, and at first it looks good on the surface. That is until you realize you have to be charged with a felony to receive policy services. At first, I was considering promoting his ‘national retainer program‘, that is until after speaking to him over the phone. While the program is on par with my automotive insurance rate, anyone is more likely to be in an auto accident than to have need of this retainer ‘insurance’. I wouldn’t mind paying into the program if they had a $100K payout clause, but we know that’s not going to happen anytime soon (simply not enough members to make a large pool).
While the CCW insurance policies do put down in writing the extensive restrictions for representation, this retainer policy will cover most any felony charge (even if you rob a liquor store). And that is the rub, they are BAR members drumming up business. Get in a road rage incident, and flash your piece? That’s simple assault, no felony, no coverage. Argument with your wife, she get a red flag order? That’s a civil matter, no ‘policy payout’ coverage. Yes you can get 35% off ‘our usual rate’, yet you’re still paying 65% above what most people would expect as reasonable coverage. In fact they offer this discount on most any legal representation, short of the ‘retainer policy’ coverage. Now that you’ve seen the tip of the metaphoric iceberg, let’s go under the waterline of this scam retainer policy.
APPEALS! That’s right, when a lower court finds you guilty you must appeal to a higher court. Appeals court representation starts at about $20K, but guess what at the 35% discount that’s $7K off. But let’s say you want to set precedent, like overturning CCW permits via Bruin. Then you’ve got three more court proceeding to appeal, and we’re in six digit territory for that to happen Yet as Billy Mays has said, ‘But that’s not all, you get thirty five percent off our regular rate of representation.’ Wow, you can save $35K+ from a simple retainer program!?!
Ya, it’s all about raking in more business, for the BAR and their members. The only winners in a court of record are the BAR members, and they win EVERY TIME. So while this subject is being brought up, rest assured the devil is in the details. While I hope this retainer program develops into a positive program in the future, at this time it’s just a means for an attorney to be a rain maker (a legal term) for his firm. The asset pool is way too small to make a real difference on the legal landscape of firearms related statutes. Don’t get me wrong, if they would make an honest effort to strike down CCW permits, or current red flag statutes, I’d pay the money out of pocket for anyone to overturn the current government over reach (but we know that’s not going to happen). In conclusion, buyer beware!
