WATERBURY, Conn.–Skyline Financial Credit Union said it has partnered the law firm Levine Litigation to offer affordable financing options to clients for legal retainer and service fees.

Levine Litigation specializes in family law. 

The $38.2-million Skyline Financial said the new 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 said in a statement. “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.”

Building ‘Financial Stability’

“Partnering with Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union has been key in helping us build financial stability,” Rachael Levine, founding attorney at Levine Litigation, said in a statement. “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.”

The credit union reported the affiliation began Levine Litigation opened an IOLTA account with Skyline Financial FCU. The account carries no fees.

“Our mission is to support the communities we serve, not just with personal banking, but by focusing on organizations that deliver essential services,” SFCU President and CEO James A. Higgins said in a statement. “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.”

A ’Win-Win’

Skyline Financia said the relationship is already underway, with clients receiving legal support they would not have otherwise received, as well as financial tools, especially underserved populations.