Lawyer Referral Service Information & Application

THE NEED FOR LAWYER REFERRAL
The Mobile Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service offers legal referrals to the public.

LRS is designed to help Mobile citizens understand that legal problems often require professional assistance and to aid them in contacting attorneys who practice in their respective areas of need.

The willing participation and continued support of attorneys serving on the LRS panel have been crucial to the smooth operation of the program.  The MBA Committee of Lawyer Referral continually reviews the operation so that procedures are designed to help both the clients and participating attorneys.

New members on the LRS panel are always welcome.

HERE IS HOW THE MOBILE BAR ASSOCIATION'S LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE WORKS

1. Complete the attached application for membership on the LRS panel and mail it with your LRS membership fee.
2. Attorneys who are accepted for membership in LRS must indicate the areas of practice in which they wish to receive referrals and provide proof of malpractice insurance coverage.
3. The LRS is publicized throughout the Country in yellow pages, brochures and the electronic media.
4. A person wishing to consult with a lawyer may telephone the LRS.  The LRS will ask for the client’s name, address and telephone number.  Callers needing legal advice will be given an opportunity to briefly state the problem, and then will be referred to an attorney.  It is the responsibility of the client to contact the lawyer to make an appointment.
5. Lawyers participating in the LRS agree to provide an initial consultation of up to one-half hour for no more than $30.00, exclusive of negligence and tort cases and matters involving workers’ compensation and social security law.  Fees and services beyond the first half hour are arranged between the client and the attorney.
6. The LRS will confirm the referral by mail and fax to the attorney.  Again, once the referral has been made, it becomes the duty of the client to arrange the appointment with the attorney.
7. LRS will mail a brief referral report along with each referral notification.  This report should be completed by the attorney and returned to the LRS office within 30 days.  The report helps determine the effectiveness of the service and indicates areas in which it may be improved.