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Our “Deeper Dive” series features our attorneys who primarily focus on providing services to LegalShield members every day. Attorney Kurtanich has been with our firm since 2020. Before joining us, she worked as an attorney specializing in mineral, energy and natural resources, regulatory and utility law. She can respond to a wide variety of legal issues and has experience with business law, oil and gas law, regulatory law, utility law and contracts. Q: How do you connect to LegalShield members? Attorney Kurtanich: I try to actively listen to their questions, issues, and concerns. In order to provide the best legal advice possible, I need to truly understand the heart of the issue. I achieve this understanding by listening, clarifying my understanding, and then advising. My goal for client engagement is to have clients feel comfortable speaking to me no matter how big or small the issue may be. Sometimes, clients are embarrassed to ask a question that they think might be silly. However, those are often the very questions which need to be addressed. I put clients at ease to ask their questions and ask them to tell me what happened and what their concerns are. Asking a client to provide a narrative allows the client open up while allowing me to gather discrete details that I would not otherwise have. Sometimes I have to ask tough questions, and clients appreciate that. I bring value to my clients by providing an approach which gathers the most details. Each individual client is unique and therefore has a unique set of circumstances. My clients teach me something new every day. Q: Tell us about a recent success for a LegalShield member. Attorney Kurtanich: I recently spoke with a LegalShield member who had never filed for unemployment compensation before and had no idea where to start. I guided her through the process, she was able to file her claim, and has successfully received benefits. Q: My greatest accomplishments: Attorney Kurtanich: I was someone who couldn’t run a 5K but I wanted to challenge myself. After a lot of hard work, I was able to compete in a triathlon in 2016, a marathon in 2017, and an ultramarathon trail run in 2019. Those were tough, but conquering my fear of public speaking through Toastmasters might’ve been my biggest challenge. Q: The toughest lesson I have learned: Attorney Kurtanich: The toughest lesson I learned was to step out of my comfort zone. It can be scary to step out of your comfort zone, but in the long run you end up with an entirely different perspective which allows you to view issues differently and provide a more holistic level of client service. –My attitude towards life is live every day to the fullest and treat each day as though it may be your last. –Best advice I have received is to listen, learn, and then lead. #AdieKurtanich #businesslaw #oilandgaslaw #smallbusinesslaw

What You’re Saying About Us We’re blushing! Thank you for your kind words and feedback. We very much want to hear from you. We take your comments seriously and are always striving to improve. “Professional and Kind” – The office person that I spoke to (Kathy) regarding my file was both professional and kind. The lawyer Who called me regarding my issue (Barbara Weiss) was also sympathetic, knowledgeable, and reassuring. Thank you for offering this service. Keep up the good work! – Amelia (April 2020) “Knowledgeable and Helpful” – We were contacted twice by the firm. Once by the attorney’s assistant and once by the attorney. Both of them were very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. They both exceeded our expectations. So far, we are very happy with the services and the people. – Robert (April 2020) “Responded Quickly” – The attorney gave me excellent advice and responded quickly whenever I reached out for assistance. Great job!! – Joseph (April 2020). Thank you for the opportunity to help you when you need it most!

As was widely expected, the $350 billion allocated for this program was not nearly enough to meet demand. Many sole proprietors and small business owners were left in the cold as they were not able to apply until April 10 and many banks stopped accepting applications mid-week this week. Whether you applied or didn’t have quite enough time to get an application together, we have some advice for you. 4 Things You Should You Do Now 1. If you have no idea what this article is referring to, you’re not alone. It was easy to miss or not understand this loan program and how it works. We are here to tell you that you ARE missing out on a very favorable loan program that can help your business. Call us — we need to tell you about it. We can help you get your piece of the program. 2. Don’t give up! Congress is working to allocate additional money to the program. If you did not file an application, keep working to prepare one. Be ready to file when banks resume accepting applications and you’ll need to act fast. The newly allocated money will be soaked up by pending applications that did not get approved before the first batch of money ran out. You’ll need to be ready to file quickly when banks resume accepting applications. Well organized applications will be the first ones to get approved. Don’t take any chances — we can help you. We’ve completed these applications and know what the banks are looking for. 3. If you filed, keep working! If you filed an application, call your bank and confirm that your application was received. Don’t assume that because your application was received that you’ll be approved. Ask the bank about the status of your loan and what else that will be expected from you to get the loan funded. Have your supporting paperwork ready to submit when asked by the bank. The loan program is first come, first served so businesses that are responsive and have their ducks in a row will go to the front of the line. 4. Apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Relief Loan directly with the SBA. That program is still accepting applications. Its not as favorable as the Paycheck Protection Program loans in that it is higher interest rate and is not forgivable. It is a good loan program nonetheless and can help your business. Need help?  Our business attorneys, Michael E. Fiffik, Esquire and Lacey F. Gordon, Esquire can help you navigate the COVID loan programs.  Call us. #business #businessloans #COVID #paycheckprotection

A power of attorney is a necessary part of protecting your family and your hard earned assets. Attorney Jennifer Bamonte, the head of our estate planning department, tells you why. #estateplanning #power #Wills

Below is a list of COVID-19 car insurance company refunds, credits and rebate programs. Some companies have yet to announce any program. Driving is down between 35% to 50% during the COVID pandemic. This is very beneficial to insurance companies. Some industry experts consider the rebates and credits they are offering as relatively small in comparison to the benefit these companies enjoy with your reduced driving. If your company has yet to offer a credit or refund, you should contact your agent and ask what can be done to reduce your premiums for the next couple of months. For additional rate reductions: if you have multiple cars in the household and you are able to keep one on the sidelines, consider changing the status of one of your cars as out of use. It’ll keep comprehensive insurance on the car and keep you legal but will result in increased savings. Just don’t forget to change the status back when you start driving again. This is a great time to review your auto policy. We’d be happy to review your auto policy with you, offer other tips on saving money and advise you on the best coverage to protect you and your family. Companies Offering Rebates or CreditsAllstateAmerican Family InsuranceAmica InsuranceErieEsuranceFarmersGEICOHartfordLiberty MutualNationwideProgressiveState FarmTravelersSafe AutoSafecoUSAACompanies Not Offering Rebates or CreditsAAADonegalInfinity/Kemper #COVID #personalinjury

As a result of Governor Wolf’s Shelter-in-Place order, everyone is driving less. On Monday, April 3, 2020 Allstate’s CEO said that “driving mileage is down 35% to 50%, even in states that do not currently have shelter-in-place orders.” As a result, Allstate is refunding 15% of premiums to policyholders. We think you deserve a rate reduction too and we’re going to do something about it. LegalShield members who have an auto insurance policy are invited to contact us. Our attorneys would be happy to write a letter on your behalf to your insurance company asking that your rates be reduced or that you receive a premium refund. Not a LegalShield member? You should be. Check them out at covid19.legalshield.com. You can also get a copy of a form that you can use to send a request in yourself here. #COVID

I have been a member since mid 1990’s. Today it is not if I need an attorney, but when I need an attorney. Someone used my checking account to electronically pay the bill. It was an honest mistake as the account numbers were very similar. The company said they could not do anything about it. I went to the PUC and was told to file a formal complaint. After months and months and numerous phone calls I finally reached someone who also said they cannot do anything. At that point I called LegalShield spoke to the attorney sent over all documentation and a letter was sent. JUST ONE LETTER! Happy to report that I received by overnight mail refunding my money. Amazing how people’s attitude change when an attorney gets involved. Thank you very much! Meyersdale Member

Dear Attorney Maietta, with deep appreciation and profound gratitude thank you for your continued support for our mother until her death. I will be forever grateful, thank you again. Philadelphia Member

Thank you so much for all your valuable assistance to me, my family and company for so many years! Lancaster Member

Among all of the LegalShield attorneys I have spoken with over the years Attorney Rosen is the best. Throughout our consult she was very knowledgeable in the subject matter, clarified legal points that I didn’t even know enough to ask, answered all of my questions clearly and completely and even provided examples for some, and lastly was patient, pleasant and kind throughout, without ever rushing me. In the future I will seek her counsel. Philadelphia Member

I’m writing to express my sincere gratitude to Attorney Laura Devine for her assistance in recouping my deposit from an unscrupulous contractor. Speaking with Attorney Devine allowed me to know where to start the process! Having the opportunity to get advice from her as well as informing the contractor that she was working with me encouraged him to refund my deposit. Had he not refunded my deposit, Attorney Devine gave me the follow-up steps. Thank you for your assistance! Duquesne Member

These are extremely trying times for U.S. workers, with thousands of businesses forced to close and let employees go as part of the efforts being made to combat COVID-19. If you’re out of work and having difficulty finding another job, you likely are piling up a long list of bills with no real source of income available to help pay them. The good news, though, is that there are resources to help if you’re struggling to make ends meet. 1. Apply for Unemployment Benefits. If you’re out of work, even as a sole proprietor or gig worker, you likely will qualify for unemployment compensation benefits. You should apply right away. The waiting week is waived so you’ll get benefits effective the date that you file. Apply here: https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx 2. Get Paid Leave Benefits. The new Families First law went into effect on April 3, 2020 and entitles many workers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis to paid leave for up to 12 weeks. there are paid leave rights that kick in on and after April 3, 2020. If you’re out of work due to a COVID-19 shutdown or can’t work for a personal or family health reason, you may be entitled to paid leave. This is a new law so your employer may not fully understand its obligations so don’t hesitate to ask about it. You can find out more here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic 3. Talk to Your Landlord, Mortgage Company and Creditors. If you’re having trouble paying your bills, you’re far from alone. That’s why many creditors are offering special programs for people experiencing economic hardship right now. Banks, credit card issuers, and other lenders may be willing to work with you if you discuss your situation. Many of these creditors help on a case-by-case basis, so you won’t know what types of programs you qualify for until you ask. But some organizations are offering everything from waived late fees to deferred payments to minimum payment assistance and more. In addition, many utility and telecommunication companies are helping during the pandemic. Some companies have pledged not to discontinue service for the time being even if customers cannot pay their bills, and many also offer other types of assistance such as flexible payment plans or waived late fees. So if you’re struggling financially as a result of COVID-19, reach out to these providers to see what help you may be eligible for. Maybe local creditors won’t have these special programs. Your landlord may not be as willing to work with you. We can help. Our attorneys are available to help negotiate rent or loan deferments and repayment plans. 4. Consider Filing Bankruptcy. Are you struggling to manage debt from credit cards, medical bills, personal or business loans? Need a financial fresh start? If so, the filing for bankruptcy may be a solution to your financial problems. In addition to eliminate many of your debts, a bankruptcy can also stop the collection calls, temporarily freeze a mortgage foreclosure and halt debt collection lawsuits. A bankruptcy can put you in a financial position where you will be better able rebuild your good credit for the future. While bankruptcy can be a powerful debt solution tool, completing the bankruptcy petition is complicated. There are many decisions that must be made that will have significant consequences for the success of your bankruptcy and the fresh start that you are seeking. It is critical that you are guided by a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who understands the law and can give you a best chance for success. You can find more information about how we can help you with bankruptcy here. #bankrutpcy #chapter #consum #COVID