Citi Benefits Handbook
About the Plan
The Plan provides coverage for attorney fees for certain routine, U.S.-related legal services for personal or family legal issues.
The Plan offers access to a network of U.S. attorneys who provide a wide range of legal services. In-network services are available only in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Most services authorized by the Plan are covered at 100% when you use network attorneys.
A reimbursement schedule applies to fees charged by out-of-network attorneys.
Finding Network Attorneys
You can call MetLife Legal Plan's' Call Center at 1 (800) 821-6400 to find a network attorney. A Client Service Representative will ask you to identify yourself as a Citi employee and will request your membership number, which is located in your welcome letter MetLife Legal Plan sends to you after you elect coverage, and your home zip code.
Your spouse/ partner and any eligible child may use the Plan. Those family members will be required to provide your membership number when requested, to verify their eligibility.
The Plan Call Center
The Client Service Representative is responsible for all of the following:
- Verifying eligibility for services over the phone;
- Making an initial determination of whether and to what extent your case is covered (the Plan attorney will make the final determination of coverage);
- Providing a case number, which is similar to a claim number (each case is assigned a new case number);
- Providing the telephone number of the Plan attorney(s) most conveniently located near you; and
- Answering any questions you have about the Plan.
Following your initial phone call, you may schedule an appointment with a Plan attorney. Evening and Saturday appointments are available, if requested.
When you call a Plan attorney related to services covered under the Plan, he or she will provide a recommended course of action related to your legal needs. Ask the Plan attorney pertinent questions to ensure that you will receive comprehensive services, including, but not limited to the following: (i) if there are any limitations on the representation; (ii) if the Plan attorney will represent you in court in the event of litigation; (iii) if there are any related post litigation issues, in the event of litigation; and (iv) if there are any expenses you may incur to have a more complete representation, if there are limitations.
Plan and Out-of-Network Attorneys
When you use a Plan (in-network) attorney, all attorney's fees for covered services are paid in full by the Plan (except for certain limits shown in "What Is Covered").
If you choose to seek legal services from an out-of-network attorney, the Plan will reimburse you for out-of-network attorneys' fees in accordance with a set fee schedule. Please see "What Is Covered."
For services to be covered, you or your eligible dependents must establish an attorney-client relationship while you are an enrolled member of the Plan.
Your use of legal services provided by the Plan are totally confidential.
The Role of Plan Attorneys
The Plan attorney is required to maintain the strict confidentiality of a traditional attorney-client relationship. The attorney's relationship is exclusively with you. Citi will not receive information about your legal issues or the services you use under the Plan. In addition, no one will interfere with your Plan attorney's independent exercise of professional judgment when representing you.
The attorney will adhere to the rules of the Plan. MetLife Legal Plans, or the law firm providing services under the Plan, is responsible for all services provided by their attorneys.
Citigroup has no liability for the conduct of any Plan attorney. You have the right to file a complaint with the state bar concerning attorney conduct pursuant to the Plan. If you have a complaint about the legal services you have received or the conduct of an attorney, you can register a complaint by calling MetLife Legal Plan. Your complaint will be reviewed, and you will receive a response within two business days of your call.
Plan attorneys will refuse to provide services if the matter is clearly without merit, frivolous, or for the purpose of solely harassing another person.