A Message From Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa About The Teamsters Legal Defense Fund
In our great country, unbiased legal representation should be an undeniable right of all citizens. No one is more deserving of this than America’s law enforcement professionals who put their lives on the line each and every day. Life in law enforcement is dangerous and unpredictable, and our brothers and sisters in the field need to know there is someone behind them at all times, who is as dedicated as they are. That’s why we developed the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund, a fund we’ve likened to 24/7 body armor. Read More

Teamsters Legal Defense Fund: Think of it like body armor 24/7

Support When You Need It The Most
Legal trouble is something everyone hopes to avoid during their career. But work in law enforcement long enough and you’ll learn the importance of knowing that you’re protected during the best—and worst—of times. Just ask a member of the Teamsters Law Enforcement League. During a time of crisis, our members have learned the value of the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund, a nationwide program providing excellent legal assistance for civil and criminal incidents. Regardless of your situation, the professionals at the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund will always be at your side, providing strong, unbiased legal representation. Unlike your agency or department, the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund only represents your interests as a Teamster law enforcement member. Plus, it’s surprisingly affordable.

“If it weren’t for the Teamsters and their Legal Defense Fund, I probably wouldn’t know what to do. It’s not every day you get involved in an investigation or trouble. In those moments you’re vulnerable, you don’t know what to do or say.”
Officer Waleed Albakri
Volusia County Sheriffs Office, Daytona Beach, FL

The Power of the Teamsters
The Teamsters Union has given law enforcement professionals an unwavering voice for decades. Through the leadership of the Teamsters Law Enforcement League (TLEL)—which is comprised of veteran law enforcement officers who have personally experienced the challenges of protecting our communities—the union provides excellent representation when members need it most. From police to public safety to correctional officers, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1,400 law enforcement agencies nationwide.

“I was scared when I first discovered I was going to be going to court, and I was very relieved to have the Teamsters on my side. They were fighting for me. It really took the stress off me. Plus, they got back right away to us. That meant a lot. I’ve told my co-workers, ‘you guys better get on the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund if you’re not,’ and they did.”
Bob Hohisel
Program Coordinator, Mille-Lacs Jail, Milaca, MN

Common Questions About the Legal Defense Fund
Is the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund a pre-paid legal plan?
Unlike traditional pre-paid programs which handle general legal issues like wills, contracts and real estate, the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund is a legal defense program specifically designed for duty-related incidents. You receive coverage by paying an affordable monthly amount.

If I was involved in an incident last year, and someone files a lawsuit now, does the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund cover me?
Yes, as long as you didn’t know of the suit when you enrolled in the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund.

Will I be covered if I’m involved in more than one incident in a year which leads to criminal charges or a civil lawsuit?
Yes, Teamsters Legal Defense Fund offers coverage for each separate incident.

Do I have to use the same attorney for both criminal and civil cases?
No, it’s up to you which attorney you want to use. You choose the attorney that you feel will best represent your interests in criminal or civil matters.

“In our field of work, your life and livelihood are constantly threatened. I know—I have had two serious job-related situations in the past three years. My Teamsters Legal Defense Fund attorney was by my side when I was wrongfully accused of assaulting a suspect. He was also there, no questions asked, when I was personally sued for $360,000 by a suspect who was injured following a high speed chase that exceeded 100 miles per hour. Without the Teamsters and without their Legal Defense Fund, I would not be a deputy sheriff today.”
Deputy Sheriff Jim Graham
Dallas County, Iowa

The Legal Defense Fund Basics
As a dues-paying law enforcement member of the Teamsters Union, you can enjoy the security of the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund program. As long as you’re acting in the capacity of a law enforcement officer you’re covered whether you’re on or off-duty—and no one votes to determine if you will be represented. You’re always covered. Other program features include:

• Defense of criminal and civil charges;
• Preparation in Grand Jury hearings;
• No up-front costs or deductibles;
• Representation by licensed attorneys, not paralegals;
• Full legal coverage of your choosing, even if your employer provides an attorney;
• Legal coverage for separate incidents no matter how many occur;
• Freedom to choose the lawyer you want; and
• 100% coverage regardless of the final cost of representation when using a Plan attorney.

The specific terms are spelled out in the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund document, which can be obtained from the Teamsters Law Enforcement League at 1-877-744-7550 or by e-mail at teamstercops.org. The Fund document provisions will at all times prevail over those in any other documents, including this brochure.

 “As former general counsel to another union and a former prosecutor, I can tell you that I would stake my reputation—and have—on my work with the Teamsters…I am often phoned while an incident is actually occurring and delivered right to the scene. These situations can be highly charged, and officers need legal representation immediately. The people at the Teamsters Legal - Defense Fund have worked in law enforcement before, so they understand what’s really needed.”
Maria Kazouris, Esq.
Legal Defense Fund
Attorney, Florida

“...On a personal note, it gives me real satisfaction to witness our nation’s law enforcement align itself with the Teamsters. This commitment to an organized, national union is the realization of a 50-year-old dream.”
Jim Hoffa

“The Teamsters Legal Defense Fund has been great. They were with us very shortly after we contacted them. They were able to answer all my questions, and I felt I was in very professional hands. They really did a great job.”
Michael Dumonceaux
Sergeant, Mille-Lacs Jail,
Milaca, MN

For more information on the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund, ,please contact the Law Enforcement League at 1-877-744-7550, or visit our website at www.teamstercops.org.