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VEA Legal Services: Your Safety Net

Working in education, while a noble profession, carries with it a certain amount of risk.

No one, from veteran educators to those brand new in the profession, is immune, and one unfounded accusation or misrepresented occurrence can quickly derail a career.

That’s why you need the legal safety net that comes with membership in the Virginia Education Association. Here’s how you’re protected:

• Staff assistance and access to legal consultation if you’re injured in the course of your work or need leave for health or personal reasons;
• Legal representation if you face dismissal for cause;
• Legal representation if you are accused of abusing a student and therefore are investigated by social workers (See also, "Steps to Take");
• Legal representation if, during the course of your school duties, you are accused of committing a crime or face criminal prosecution
• Liability insurance coverage for attorney fees and costs if you are acquitted of a criminal charge, or if those charges are dismissed;
• Liability insurance coverage to pay for the defense of civil suits brought against you in the course of your work and to cover damages assessed against you in such suits; and
• The Attorney Referral Program, which offers discounts for legal representation in matters not related to your school employment, such as wills, real estate and traffic court matters.

The VEA will be there for you when you need it the most. For more information, contact the VEA Division of Legal Services at (800) 552-9554.

NEA Educators Employment Liability (EEL) Policy. The NEA EEL policy is one of the most-valued legal benefits of Association membership. Members and nonmembers may click here to read questions and answers about the EEL program in Virginia. Current VEA members may also review and print the following EEL documents (member login is required):

• NEA EEL Claim Form
• Virginia 2010-2011 EEL Certificate