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Why PACE?

Pre-Loss Legal Services

PACE Pre-loss Legal Services offers members up to $1,000 in professional legal advice per incident at no cost. PACE attorneys consult with members about specific incidents or actions with the goal of averting lawsuits, and guiding members through difficult legal issues and decisions.

Each PACE member is entitled to up to $1,000 in free legal consultation per incident.
(Legal service beyond that is billed by the hour.)

By taking advantage of these services, members reduce education-related lawsuits that take their toll in time, finances and stress.

What is covered?

PACE Pre-Loss Legal Services are available when you have concerns involving injuries on school property, employee termination, hostile work environment, Title IX, employee misconduct, discrimination, retaliation, harassment and many other employment issues. Union grievances are not covered.

Pre-Loss Legal Services Coverage Menu

How much does PACE Pre-Loss Legal consultation cost?

If you have PACE property/casualty insurance, you're entitled to as much as $1,000 worth of "pre-loss" legal consultation per incident at no cost. After reaching the $1,000 limit, you may continue to receive professional legal advice at the reduced member rate from an attorney who knows all there is to know about your situation. If you request and heed PACE pre-loss legal advice in employment termination decisions, your $5,000 deductible will be waived.

When should I contact a PACE Pre-Loss attorney?

Call PACE if you face these high-risk situations:

Personal injury on school property
Whether it’s a student injured at sports practice or a parent injured while attending a school event, our staff will walk you through the steps to help avoid a lawsuit.
Employee termination
If your district calls to consult with a PACE pre-loss attorney prior to making an employment termination or suspension decision and follows all reasonable advice provided, the $5,000 deductible for that termination or suspension case will be waived. (The waiver of the deductible does not apply if your deductible is greater than $5,000.)
Student or employee harassment, bullying, discrimination or retaliation
Call as soon as you receive notice of a complaint. We can assist with investigation and follow-up to minimize liability and resolve the situation.
Inappropriate staff/student relationships
Pre-loss staff can assist with: the investigation; ending the employment relationship; communicating with the press, the community, criminal attorneys and law enforcement; training staff on prevention; and meeting with your safety team.
Contract review
Before you sign a contract, run it by pre-loss staff to make sure you’re protected. PACE attorneys routinely review all types of business contracts, including construction, school resource officer and medical services agreements.
Risk management for student activities and review of waivers
If your staff suggest a fun activity, call pre-loss to discuss ways to make it safer.
Constitutional rights
Pre-loss staff will discuss the nuances of constitutional law to help you avoid an expensive lawsuit on speech, religion or other consitutional issues.
Title IX
Pre-loss staff can highlight potential issues and review your entire athletic program for compliance.
Special education
Call to discuss questions or concerns related to student identification and eligibility, parental rights, appropriate IEP implementation and other matters. Our pre-loss staff can help you identify and implement best practices to avoid costly due-process hearings and federal litigation.
Other scenarios that could lead to a lawsuit.

Remember, you're entitled to up to $1,000 worth of free legal consultation per incident, so don't hesitate to call.

How do I contact PACE for pre-loss assistance?

Simply call the Oregon School Boards Association, 503-588-2800 or 800-578-6722, and ask to speak with a member of the PACE Pre-Loss legal staff:

General Pre-loss contact: pacepreloss@osba.org

What can PACE Pre-Loss seminars do for us?

PACE offers convenient on-site seminars at your workplace that cover topics specific to your district, community college or ESD. To arrange an on-site seminar, call the Oregon School Boards Association, 503-588-2800 or 800-578-6722 and ask for Pre-Loss Legal Services.

PACE also offers seminars regionally throughout the year covering topics of general interest in the area of property/casualty such as risk, safety, policy, employment practices and other topics. These seminars are open to all member districts. Watch for brochures and e-mails notifying you about these valuable opportunities.