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ARAG General Counsel Ann Cosimano Elected President for API

DES MOINES, IA – Ann Cosimano was elected president of the American Prepaid Legal Services Association (API), a professional membership organization representing the legal services plan industry. Cosimano also serves as General Counsel for ARAG, a global provider of legal solutions.

Cosimano takes the lead at API at a critical point in the association's history. "It's an exciting time to be involved as API expands its focus," says Cosimano. "We still work with attorneys and trustees, but are broadening our reach to anyone with a need to understand legal services plans." The effort to raise awareness will include changing the name of the association, rebranding materials including the website, and helping others understand the real needs that legal services plans meet.

Many legal issues encountered by people every day can be resolved with a phone call to a legal services plan attorney, but if left unaddressed could become larger problems. According to API, an estimated 122 million middle income Americans are enrolled in some form of legal service plan. Legal services plans offer people of moderate means access to services such as creating a Will or Trust, reviewing mortgage, lease or other loan contracts, and enforcing child support orders.

In her role as General Counsel for ARAG, Cosimano directs the company's Legal, Regulatory, Compliance, Customer Service, Provider Relations and Claims departments. She is a member of the Polk County Women Attorneys, Polk County Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association, American Bar Association and the Association of Corporate Counsel. Ann is actively involved in the ARAG Cares Program, which provides education and free legal services to residents of the Family Violence Center in Des Moines. Ann has also supported the Make a Wish Foundation, Amanda the Panda, and Robin's Nest Children's Home in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Having started her career as an attorney in the non-profit world, Ann brings a full understanding of, and deep respect for, members experiencing legal matters. Her roles with ARAG and with API complement each other well since each group shares common goals to educate others about legal services plans, advance access to legal services and support a social good by helping people at a time that is most stressful.

About ARAG

ARAG (www.ARAGgroup.com), whose North American operations are based in Des Moines, IA, is a global provider of legal insurance. The company has an international premium base of almost $2 billion and it protects 15.5 million individuals and their families – worldwide. ARAG offers comprehensive legal plans that provide a smart and trusted path for resolving legal issues. This enables people to protect their families, finances and futures.