Waterbury, CT (April 10, 2025) |
In a groundbreaking move aimed at increasing access to justice for individuals and families, Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union has aligned with Levine Litigation, a rising law firm specializing in family law, to provide affordable financing options for legal retainer and service fees.
This affiliation addresses a common barrier for many clients, upfront legal costs. Now, through special financing provided by Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union, clients of Levine Litigation who would typically struggle to afford initial legal fees can access payment plans that spread costs over time. The credit union’s significantly lower interest rates, far below the 36% often charged by national legal loan providers, make this a truly community-centered financial solution.
"Partnering with Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union has been key in helping us build financial stability,” said Rachael Levine, founding attorney at Levine Litigation. “Without the line of credit option the credit union provided us to cover our 45-to-90-day receivables, it would be impossible for our small firm to sustain growth.”
This affiliation began with a strategic financial step for Levine Litigation, opening an IOLTA account with Skyline Financial FCU. Unlike traditional bank offerings, the credit union provided the account with no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirement, offering critical savings to a young firm navigating the early stages of growth.
James A. Higgins, President and CEO of Skyline Financial FCU, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “Our mission is to support the communities we serve, not just with personal banking, but by focusing on organizations that deliver essential services. By working with local law firms like Levine Litigation, we’re able to support the members of our community even further. We believe that being relevant in the community means showing up in the places people need us most, and this is a perfect example of that commitment.”
The initiative is already proving to be a win-win: clients are receiving legal support they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford upfront, and the law firm has gained financial tools to grow responsibly while continuing to serve vulnerable populations.
As this affiliation develops, both Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union and Levine Litigation plan to expand the scope of services and financing available to ensure that cost is never a barrier to accessing legal representation.