New Member Agreement

This agreement states the terms whereby you agree to representation by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Professional Association (“LASPA”)

Services Covered

You authorize LASPA to represent you at all stages of administrative proceedings initiated by the County of Los Angeles and/or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, up to and including any Civil Service Commission or other County Administrative entity assigned to hear your matter. LASPA is currently in litigation with the Employee Relations Commission regarding its right to represent employees facing discipline of five days and under. If you have such a grievance, you will be provided independent counsel at LASPA’s cost for all litigation related thereto. LASPA’s rights before the Civil Service Commission for discipline over five days in unaffected. LASPA Board of Directors determines what attorneys can join its panel, at their discretion, and in that capacity may delete from or add attorneys or other representation to the panel. While LASPA will pay for any assigned attorney on its panel, LASPA is not obligated to pay for an outside attorney of your choice. LASPA reserves the right to discontinue representation at any time provided such a recommendation

Continuing Membership

If you are member less than twelve months prior to requesting legal representation under this Agreement, you agree to maintain LASPA membership for a period of three years after the final disposition of the matter covered under this Agreement.

Services Excluded

Any matter not specified in the above “Services Covered” provision, which includes, but is not limited to: criminal defense, civil defense, workers’ compensation, benefits, unemployment benefits, retirement benefits, and any claim before any state or federal court. You should consult with your own lawyer at your own expense if you believe any of these areas are involved in your case. You may consult with any LASPA panel attorney for up to one-hour, free-of-charge and decide whether or not to pursue a legal action at your own expense with said panel attorney or another attorney of your choice. Member thus expressly acknowledges and agrees that any legal services provided by LASPA assigned counsel is for administrative proceedings only and does not and will not include the filing of any civil action, civil appeal or the defense of any criminal action.

Fees and Costs

Legal representation is a benefit for those who are eligible, dues-paying members of LASPA before their legal problems arose and therefore, there are no additional charges for taking advantage of this membership benefit. However, if your payroll deduction dues payment is interrupted due to disciplinary action taken against you (i.e. suspension without pay), you must maintain your dues payment on your own to continue to receive representation services. Routine costs such as copying, subpoena services, etc. will be paid by LASPA. LASPA however, is not obligated to pay extraordinary costs such as expert witness fees or transcripts costs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payment of any fees or costs rests within the sole discretion of LASPA.

Communications

LASPA or its assigned legal representative will keep you informed of the progress of your case and you agree to cooperate to assist LASPA in the investigation and preparation of your case. You also agree to keep LASPA informed of your current residence address and telephone numbers, and immediately notify LASPA of any changes.

Legal Representation

Member herby acknowledges and agrees that in order to be eligible for Legal representation; member must give LASPA counsel first opportunity to represent him/her. LASPA will not provide legal representation for those members who are currently being represented by an alternative union.

Payroll Reimbursement

In the event you are suspended without pay, you are eligible for payroll reimbursement of your gross pay (excluding overtime) up to 30 days, depending on your level of membership. You are NOT eligible for reimbursement if the alleged conduct involves: matters outside the course and scope of employment, intentional disregard for Department rules, regulations or policies, repetitive policy violations, reckless behavior, refusal to comply with State, County or Department health mandates, or if the investigation leading into disposition of discipline began prior to you joining LASPA. You must utilize LASPA counsel for each phase of any Department investigation (the initial interview through the final grievance stage) to be eligible for payroll reimbursement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any payroll reimbursement rests entirely within the discretion of LASPA’s Committee Board. In order to collect a payroll reimbursement check you agree to personally appear at LASPA’s office and submit a W-9 form for LASPA’s tax reporting purposes.