The 2015 PLF Assessment Remains at $3,500 for Fifth Consecutive Year
 
The PLF Assessment will remain at $3,500 for plan year 2015.
 
As in prior years, the actuaries predict that a $3,500 assessment in 2015 will provide sufficient income during the year to cover the costs of claims and operating expenses.  The cost-of-claims figure is based on predictions of the number of cases and the projected cost of those cases.
 
If you have any questions about the PLF’s basic assessment for 2015, please call Jeff Crawford or Emilee Preble at the PLF at (503) 639-6911 or 1-800-452-1639.
 
Merchant Fee Waived for Payment by Credit Card
 
In plan years 2013 and 2014, lawyers were assessed a 2.4% convenience (merchant) fee when paying by credit or debit card.  In plan year 2015, there is no charge for these transactions. 
 
Discount Extended for Newly Covered Lawyers
 
Beginning January 1, 2015, lawyers who have fewer than 36 months of total coverage with the PLF will receive a step-rating credit or reduction of 20 to 40 percent in their PLF Assessment.  The credit is calculated as follows:

• 40% reduction for 0 – 12 months of PLF Coverage
• 20% reduction for 13 – 24 months of PLF Coverage
• 20% reduction for 25 – 36 months of PLF Coverage

In the past, lawyers who had fewer than 24 months of total coverage with the PLF during their careers received a step-rating credit of 20 to 40 percent.  In August of this year, the PLF Board of Directors voted to extend the 20% discount to lawyers in their third year of coverage and the Board of Governors approved the change.